THE INCREIDIBLE STORY OF JOSE REYES' GUITAR, FATHER OF GIPSY KINGS

THE LAST PERFORMANCE OF THE GIPSY KINGS' FATHER...

Jose Reyes – father of four of the Gipsy Kings – sang alongside guitarist Manitas de Plata and did much to popularise flamenco internationally: John Steinbeck, Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso, Miles Davis and Salvador Dali were amongst the duo’s admirers. With his sons he formed the group named Los Reyes which became Gipsy Kings when an American admirer told "Los Reyes" that their name Los Reyes meant “The Kings” in English.

Back in 1979 before his death, Jose  wished to spend a whole night singing with his four sons at Conchita's home, his female dancer in Fontvieille. That was the last time that he sang with his sons and that he played of his "Sentchordi", 130 years old guitar.

This very ancient guitar has been offered to Jose by one of his great fans, the bishop of the city of Rozas in Spain. Jose used to say that it had a "soul" and a very profound sound. This guitar was built by the Valencian "Sentchordi Hermanos", two brothers who were active from 1861 until 1905 (on the Nr 5 calle de la Bolseria in Valencia). Their shop was quite famous since the two brothers traced their roots from Manuel Sentchordi (1700 - 1765).

According to an art Stringed-instrument maker, Katherina Fronista, the strenght and good conservation of this 130 years old guitar are amazing.

In the gipsy tradition, all ownings of the death are burned, including his guitars. But Jose refused that such treatment for his beloved guitar and, before leaving, offered it to Conchita, his flamenco dancer, to thank her for  the years that they performed together and for the hospitality of his last night.

On august the 26th 2011, Jose Reyes guitar has be newly replayed during a Gipsy event named Gitano de Provence.
  

 
Right now the owner of the guitar wishes to sell it but only to someone who will respect his increidible history :
For more details (pictures, authentification, etc) mail to : victambor@gmail.com