The reputation of Wolfgang Jellinghaus has grown substantially in recent years, and a large part of that is due to the outstanding quality of their Torres replica guitars.The SE43 S is modelled after guitar #43 from Antonio de Torres’s ‘second epoch’, one of Francisco Tárrega’s famous instruments. Built with high quality spruce top and maple back/sides (just like the original) and with an aged finish to boot, this guitar looks to be the real deal.Of course, it’s impossible to build a guitar that will match the tone and projection of another instrument precisely. Every piece of wood is different, so even if it were built by the man himself, Torres would not be able to make an instrument that exactly matches his original SE43.So what is the purpose of these immensely popular Torres replica guitars if not to produce identical ‘copies’ of the original guitar?Closer LookAlthough it’s impossible to create a carbon copy, it is possible to create similar characteristics when modelling on a historically important instruments.The small body dimensions of the SE43 has been accurately reproduced and as you would expect, so has the internal fan strut structure that Torres is so renowned for.There are certain tonal features that can only be produced by certain sizes and constructions of guitar. The intense tonal focus of these Torres replica guitar is a key feature, as is the low body resonance. Both of these characteristics are keenly observed and reproduced on the Wolfgang Jellinghaus SE43 S (more later).For me, one of the benefits of owning a Torres replica guitar is that it gives you a real taste of the character of the original (if not an exact match), but also brings with it the benefit of modern technology.Modern tuning machines are of excellent quality and serve the guitar by making the tuning process easy and smooth, whilst also providing greater tuning stability. A guitar that stays in tune makes for a much greater musical experience!Add into that, improvements in materials such as fret wire, finishing compounds etc, the result is a more consistent and reliable instrument that will not let you down when it counts, whilst preserving the essence of the original.ToneEvery Torres replica guitar I’ve played over the years have the same distinctive tone. Hugely resonant on the bass side with plenty of body and warmth, with trebles that are tonally firm, present and ring with an excellent ‘singing’ quality.The Wolfgang Jellinghaus SE43 S has all of these, and further boasts a tone that is easy to articulate and shape. This level of control over the shape of a phrase is equal parts encouraging and addictive. Not a bad trait if you’ve been finding your practice to be a bit laborious and uninspiring recently.Vibrato can be widely manipulated from the subtlest degree of warble to a broad and substantial pitch shift, should you so wish. Don a suit and some thick rimmed glasses and you’ll be doing a half decent Andres Segovia impression in no time.PlayabilityAs with all Wolfgang Jellinghaus guitars, the neck shape and overall set up are hard to beat. Immediately comfortable, immediately ‘at home’ and just an absolute joy to play.The Torres style body shape makes for a comfortable playing experience. Tall players with long arms may feel slightly differently, but the vast majority of players will have no trouble here. In fact, you might just question why you’ve been struggling with a larger bodied or deeper guitar all this time!For reference, I’m around 5’11”, averagely proportioned. I feel right at home with this instrument on my knee and have no trouble finding a position that feels easy to play.If you find you usually get pain in your right shoulder, switching to a smaller bodied guitar or one with slightly less depth might actually be better for you than labouring away with a more modern sized instrument.ConclusionExceptional playability, quintessential Spanish charm in a guitar that makes phrase shaping and articulation both a doddle and a joy.For fans of warmer and rounder sounding guitars, this guitar is a direct hit. Those who prefer a more cutting and brighter tone may want to steer clear.The slightly smaller body is a consideration that might put off particularly tall players, as longer arms might feel imbalanced resting on a smaller body. That being said, this is much less a feature on the SE43 than on earlier Torres replicas where the body is more noticeably smaller. The SE43 would be an ideal fit for average and shorter sized guitar players who still need a big sounding instrument that can deliver quality tone across the board.
