Esteban Antonio: Introducing the Ha-Shem

Esteban Antonio is quite an inventive guitarist. So much so, that he has created what he calls “The Ha-Shem.”  It’s described as having 17 strings, and can be called a “Grand Concert Harp Guitar.”

The guitar featured in this video was built by Kif Wood. They are saying that this guitar” is a major revolution in the advancement of the guitar since 1880 combining plucked and bowing techniques, creating a completely new sound. ”

This style of guitar is not really a new invention.

In 1917 Gibson built what’s known as the Gibson U Harp. I wish I could show you a photo but you could go here to look. The Ha-Shem is reminiscent of the U Harp, perhaps even easier to play. I got to play a Gibson U Harp recently- a buddy of mine just happened to have on laying around his house.

More about Esteban Antonio: From his website: www.estebanantonio-hashem.com “World renowned flamenco/classical guitarist, Esteban has designed a unique 3- necked concert guitar named the ‘Ha Shem’ which was made in Cornwall, U.K.  It is the only instrument of its kind in the world.

Esteban is performing a series of concerts throughout  Cornwall before taking the instrument to the rest of the world.

Esteban studied Classical and Flamenco guitar in parallel. Followed masters John Williams, Paco de Lucia and Manolo Sanlucar.He was personally tutored at and mentored at the Royal College by world-renowned guitarists, Douglas Rogers and Carlos Bonell – their tutelage was the cornerstone of his playing and both of them have been a huge inspiration to Esteban throughout his career.

Wrote his first E minor prelude and suite for guitar by the age of 7 + was also transcribing classical works from orchestra and piano which were then unknown as possibilities on the guitar

At the age of 11 was acclaimed as the youngest guitarist to perform the ‘CONCIERTO DE ARANJUEZ” by Rodrigo.”  read more