RAPHAEL classical guitar ISRAEL made 1967 rare vintage luthier project Judaica

Description

Vintage Raphael classical guitar, made in Israel in 1967.
Just imagine, it was the Summer of Love in the USA, but Israel was at war that year. The little country was fighting for survival while the luthier Raphael built this guitar. They too wanted to sing of love and peace. Just an amazing piece of history. It's rare enough to find any guitar built in Israel, but in 1967?
The guitar is constructed of quality solid woods throughout, including a very nice solid spruce top. Not sure what the neck and sides are made from. It has pretty multi-layered binding with subtle red and green stripes and very fancy soundhole rosette decoration. There is a clear plastic pickguard to protect the top. It is a professional grade instrument hand made by a craftsman, not a cheap factory built one. There is very little info available about Raphael guitars, but Google does find a couple of mentions. Apparently, these are rather prized in Israel.
Condition: this guitar is a PROJECT. It has numerous cracks on top, back and around the neck/body joint, which appears to have shifted. It is currently unplayable and will need to be restored by a professional luthier. However, it is a very worthwhile project, if only for the uniqueness and rarity of this instrument. The quality of the materials makes me think it will sound great after restoration, too. The neck is nice and straight, the body is very resonant when tapped. It would make a wonderful addition to any vintage guitar or Judaica collection.
Sold AS IS, no returns. Any questions - just ask!
No case. Will be very carefully packed.
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See my other listings for more vintage guitrs and other cool stuff!