La Joia (“The Jewel” in Catalan and Old Spanish) is a traditional concert guitar conceived as a tribute to the golden age of Spanish guitar making and to the enduring legacy of Antonio de Torres. Developed by luthier Pajares together with Mexican guitarist and pedagogue Rodrigo Herrera, the model reflects a shared intention to capture the elegance, balance, and singing voice that define the great instruments of the Spanish tradition.
Its internal design draws inspiration from Torres’ celebrated 1888 guitar La Italica (SE 116). The structure follows the traditional seven-fan bracing pattern associated with Torres and a modern 12-hole tie block that improves string angle and responsiveness.
The guiding idea behind La Joia was to achieve a refined equilibrium between structural lightness and tonal richness. Each element has been carefully selected and calibrated to create a voice that is both radiant and profound. The spruce soundboard provides warmth and precision, while the flamed maple back and sides offer exceptional clarity and projection, giving the instrument a luminous and articulate character.
The result is a guitar that honors the tradition of the great Spanish masters while speaking with a balanced and expressive voice of its own—lyrical, resonant, and true to its name: a jewel both in sound and craftsmanship.
