The Calvo Lutherie Sarita-F is a wonderfully unusual, hand-built parlor-size flamenco guitar that draws its inspiration from some of the most important instruments in the history of the Spanish guitar. Compact, exceptionally responsive, and full of old-world character, the Sarita-F is the kind of instrument you simply don't encounter very often.

The basic architecture of the Sarita traces back to Antonio de Torres' diminutive SE117 guitar of 1888, incorporating traditional details including a compact body, fan-braced construction, three-piece back, and distinctive vintage-style headstock. For the Sarita-F, Calvo takes the concept in a distinctly flamenco direction, employing a lighter bracing pattern inspired by the work of legendary 20th-century Spanish luthier Marcelo Barbero.

The result is a remarkably lively little guitar. Its smaller air cavity gives the Sarita-F an immediate, focused response with a strong fundamental and pronounced midrange presence, while the lightweight flamenco construction adds the quick attack, dry character and percussive snap that this style of instrument demands. It is bright and articulate without sounding thin, and produces considerably more projection and low-end authority than its parlor-size dimensions might suggest. Notes speak quickly and decay naturally, giving chords excellent separation and making rhythmic playing particularly satisfying.

The compact proportions also make this an exceptionally comfortable instrument. Sarita models are built around a short 604–620mm scale range with a narrower 48–50mm nut, depending upon the individual instrument, giving them a distinctly different feel from a conventional full-size classical guitar. The Sarita-F is additionally designed around lower flamenco-style action, contributing both to its effortless playability and characteristic bit of controlled rasp and growl when pushed.

One of the coolest details on this particular example is its traditional-style headstock fitted with planetary "banjo-style" tuners rather than conventional classical machines. Calvo offers PegHed planetary tuners as an upgrade to the traditional wooden pegs normally found on the Sarita, preserving the appearance and direct feel of old friction pegs while providing the precision and practicality of modern geared tuners.

Because Calvo builds these instruments individually, wood selection can vary from guitar to guitar. Sarita-F specifications offered by the builder include Engelmann spruce or Western red cedar tops; Mediterranean cypress, Monterey cypress or big-leaf maple backs and sides; Spanish cedar or butternut necks; and Mexican ebony (Katalox), persimmon or Rocklite fingerboards and bridges. The design is traditionally finished with walnut binding and either a simple walnut-ring or marquetry rosette.

This is a genuinely distinctive luthier-built instrument: part Torres-inspired parlor guitar, part old-school flamenco machine, and far removed from a typical production classical. Its small dimensions, fast response and dry, colorful voice make it equally compelling as a flamenco instrument, fingerstyle guitar, songwriting companion or simply an exceptionally characterful acoustic for someone looking for something outside the ordinary.

Rare, beautifully conceived, and rooted in more than a century of Spanish guitar-making tradition, the Calvo Sarita-F is a serious little guitar with a remarkably big personality.