The Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar Series “FARVAHAR” by Felipe Conde represents a unique partnership between Felipe Conde Sr., a third-generation Spanish luthier, and Babak Amini, a distinguished Persian-Canadian guitarist and composer. This collaboration emerged from a shared vision: to create an instrument that blends the rich heritage of Spanish guitar-making with Amini’s extensive musical background, spanning Persian music, jazz, and flamenco. Through their shared commitment to craftsmanship and personal values, the Farvahar guitar was born.
The Conde Family Legacy
Over a Century of Excellence
Since 1915, when Domingo Esteso founded his workshop, the Esteso and later Conde family have become synonymous with fine guitar-making. Esteso quickly gained international recognition for crafting guitars of exceptional beauty and sound. His nephews, including Mariano Conde Sr., carried the family’s legacy forward, further refining their craftsmanship. Felipe Conde, a third-generation luthier, continues this tradition in his workshop, having passed on his knowledge to his children.
Felipe Conde’s guitars have been played by some of the world’s most renowned musicians, from flamenco giants like Paco de Lucía to contemporary artists like Al Di Meola, Jesse Cook, and Babak Amini. In Leonard Cohen’s Prince of Asturias Award speech, Cohen reflected on the profound connection he felt to his Conde guitar, a testament to the lasting bond that the Conde family has always aimed to foster with each instrument they create.
Photos by EVGENIYA KIRILYUK
Felipe Conde
A Third-Generation Luthier
As a third-generation luthier, Felipe Conde has devoted his life to the art of guitar-making. Since 1971, at the age of 14, Felipe was trained by his father, Mariano, and his uncle, Faustino Conde. From them, he learned the importance of precision, passion, and innovation within tradition. In 2010, he founded his own workshop with his children, Maria and Felipe Jr., continuing the family tradition while integrating modern techniques into their craft. Although his daughter María has since stepped away from guitar building, his son, Felipe Conde Jr., now independently builds guitars under his own brand.
The Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “FARVAHAR” is more than just an instrument; it forges a lasting connection between Spanish and Persian music, while embracing the diverse musical traditions Amini has explored throughout his career.
The “Farvahar” Guitar
A Cultural and Personal Collaboration
The Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “FARVAHAR” was conceived during conversations between Felipe Conde and Babak Amini, a musician whose career spans multiple genres, from Persian music to flamenco and jazz. Amini’s global perspective and extensive career, which includes collaborations with prominent musicians and orchestras, made him the perfect partner for this project. Together, Conde and Amini envisioned a guitar that would represent a cross-cultural exchange between Spain and Persia while re lecting their mutual values and dedication to excellence. The Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “FARVAHAR” embodies these ideals, offering musicians a blend of tradition, innovation, and personal artistic expression.
Design & Cultural Significance of the Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “Farvahar”
At the heart of The Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “FARVAHAR” is the Farvahar symbol, an iconic representation of moral integrity and the soul’s journey in Persian culture. This symbol was thoughtfully integrated into the guitar’s design, symbolizing the cross-cultural exchange and shared personal values between Amini and Conde. The design also honors the artistry of Spanish guitar-making, merging it with Persian visual and musical traditions.
Craftsmanship & Materials
The Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “FARVAHAR” is meticulously crafted using premium materials to achieve unmatched sound and playability. The top is made from German Spruce, renowned for its clarity and resonance, while the back and sides are crafted from Spanish Cypress, known for producing warm, balanced tones. The neck, made from Honduran Cedar with a carbon stripe for stability, ensures long-lasting strength. Ebony is used for the fretboard, providing both durability and precision.
The guitar features the signature Conde Medialuna headstock design, while Scheller tuners, selected by Amini, provide flawless tuning stability. The rosette design, inspired by the historical “La Cumbre” motif, pays tribute to Antonio de Torres, the father of the modern guitar. These elements, combined with the time-honored techniques passed down through generations, create a guitar that balances tradition and modernity.
From left to right:
Babak Amin (the Persian-Canadian composer, band leader and guitar player), Felipe Conde (the owner of Felipe Conde Luthier)
Innovative Features
While rooted in tradition, the Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “Farvahar” incorporates several innovative features. It includes a BARBERA flamenco pickup system, ensuring the guitar’s natural sound is preserved in live settings. A soundport on the upper side allows the player to receive immediate acoustic feedback, improving control during performances. The guitar’s custom measurements, ideated by Amini, and its responsive nature make it comfortable for extended performances and adaptable across a range of genres.
Customization and Playability
The Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “FARVAHAR” is designed to meet the specific needs of professional musicians, offering both exceptional playability and versatility. The instrument’s responsive nature and balanced tone allow it to excel across a variety of musical styles, making it an ideal choice for musicians who are as diverse and multifaceted as Babak himself. Every detail of the guitar, from its construction to its aesthetic design, has been carefully considered to create an instrument that is not only functional but also a work of art.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each “Farvahar” guitar comes with a unique serial number and a certificate of authenticity, signed and sealed by Felipe Conde. This certificate verifies the instrument’s provenance and attests to the craftsmanship behind its creation. The inclusion of both Babak’s and Felipe’s signatures on the label inside the guitar further underscores the personal nature of this project and the deep connection between the musician and the luthier.
Cultural and Musical Significance
The Babak Amini Concert Signature Guitar “FARVAHAR”stands as a symbol of cultural fusion, artistic collaboration, and mutual respect. By combining the traditions of Spanish guitar-making with Babak Amini’s diverse musical background, this instrument transcends its physical form, becoming a meeting point between different worlds, sounds, and cultures. It reflects the shared commitment of both Amini and Conde to honoring the past while embracing new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what a guitar can be.
This collaboration is not just about creating an instrument but about forging a lasting connection between Spanish and Persian music, as well as the various other musical traditions that Amini has explored throughout his career. The Farvahar guitar offers musicians a tool rich in both history and sound, allowing them to express themselves fully and authentically.
The creation of the “Farvahar” guitar represents a continuation of the Conde family’s long-standing tradition of excellence in guitar-making, deeply rooted in collaboration with the finest guitarists of the time. The instrument embodies everything Felipe Conde has learned as a luthier: craftsmanship, innovation, and the power of collaboration. The Farvahar guitar stands as a testament to what can be achieved when tradition and innovation come together, offering musicians a unique blend of artistry, cultural significance, and musical versatility.