W. Jellinghaus Torres 04 Spruce Cypress

Essential Information About the W. Jellinghaus Torres FE 04 "La Leona" Guitar

• Faithful Replica of a Legendary Model: inspired by the Antonio de Torres FE 04 "La Leona" (1856), a foundational reference for the modern classical guitar.


• Traditional and Responsive Wood Combination: spruce top, cypress back and sides, cedro neck, and ebony fingerboard for precise playability.


• High-End Finish: French Polish varnish (Replica style) complemented by an antiqued finish that provides a patinated aesthetic and a "played instrument" feel.


• Comfort and Classical Standards: 650 mm scale length, 1:18 tuning machines, bone nuts, delivered with a wooden case.

From Torres "La Leona" (1856) to the FE 04: An Icon of the Modern Classical Guitar

Antonio de Torres (1817-1892) is widely recognized as one of the most influential luthiers in guitar history: his vision of proportions, projection, and tonal balance laid the foundations of the classical guitar as we know it today. The FE 04, nicknamed "La Leona," is among the most famous instruments attributed to Torres. Dated 1856, it is often cited as one of the first fully realized expressions of the "modern guitar," especially by specialists and luthiers who have documented the instrument's evolution.

The W. Jellinghaus Torres FE 04 follows this lineage: it aims to recapture the spirit of a historic concert instrument, with its choice of woods, 650 mm scale length, and refined aesthetics. The goal is not only to achieve a visually "vintage" guitar but to offer a coherent experience: quick response, clarity of attack, and the typical Iberian tone color of spruce/cypress models.

For Which Guitarist and Styles?

This guitar is primarily intended for intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking a classical guitar inspired by a great model, with a true sonic personality and luthier-level finish. The 650 mm scale length remains a favored standard: tight enough to support projection and precision while maintaining a familiar feel for most repertoires.

Regarding styles, the "Torres" DNA particularly highlights the classical repertoire (voice transparency, counterpoint clarity) and pieces where articulation and dynamic control are essential. The spruce/cypress combination will also appeal to musicians attracted to a more direct and bright sound aesthetic, with a "percussive" edge that suits clear phrasing, light rasgueados, or crisp attacks, depending on your technique and right hand.

Spruce, Cypress, and Ebony: A Clear, Lively, and Structured Sound

The spruce top is prized for its ability to combine projection, definition, and development over time: the more you play, the more the top tends to open up and gain fullness while maintaining precise attack. On a Torres-inspired guitar, spruce helps achieve a quick response, ideal for fine nuances and instantaneous changes of intent.

The cypress back and sides contribute to a recognizable sound signature: present midrange, a sense of lightness in the response, and a natural brightness that highlights note contours. Cypress does not necessarily seek the huge "orchestral" sustain of some denser woods: it often favors clarity and impact, with excellent register separation when working in polyphony.

The cedro neck provides stability and comfort under the hand, while the ebony fingerboard offers a hard and even surface: a clear sensation under the finger, precision in movement, and reliable support for a well-adjusted action. The bone nuts (nut and saddle) contribute to efficient vibration transmission: crisp attack, solid intonation, and a "fulcrum" feel in the right hand.

Finally, the French Polish is appreciated for its very fine finish and feel: it respects the top's vibration and highlights the wood grain. The antiqued finish complements this approach with an elegant visual patina, for an instrument that immediately evokes tradition and the stage.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To fully exploit this guitar daily, you can safely pair it with universal accessories: a tuner (clip-on or pedal depending on your use), a footrest or ergonomic support, as well as a stable guitar stand for storage. A microfiber cloth is also recommended to preserve the finish after each session. The guitar comes with a wooden case for transport and protection.

Technical specifications

Model	Torres FE 04 ("La Leona")	Fingerboard	ebony
Type	classical guitar	Scale length	650 mm / 25.6"
Top	spruce	Nut	bone
Back and sides	cypress	Tuning machines	1:18 ratio
Rosette	wood	Saddle	bone
Finish	French Polish (Replica) + antiqued finish	Case	wooden case
Top surface area (indicated)	1240 cm² / 192.2 in²	String set	Savarez
Neck	cedro	Historical reference	inspired by Antonio de Torres "La Leona" (1856)