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1971 Contreras Concert Classical Guitar, Manuel Sr. Signed  From Other

Brazilian Rosewood Concert Classical Guitar

Other (Miscellanous Used/Vintage/Consign)

Available for Special Order

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What We Think

This is a spectacular signed Contreras I from the Golden Era of the Manuel Contreras Sr. Madrid shop. The guitar is amazingly warm with tons of overtones and an exceptionally sweet midrange. It's an extremely dynamic instrument with a lot of power from the basses and presence from the trebles. The guitar used to belong to Pepe Romero and includes documentation proving this. The cedar top is absolutely flawless. There is some lacquer checking on the neck. The Brazilian Rosewood back has two cracks that have been well repaired. Cracks like these are not out of the ordinary for a guitar from this era. Includes original hardshell Contreras case. This guitar is truly a collector's dream. Condition is Very Good ++.

Manufacturer's Description from Other

Manuel Contreras, born in Madrid in 1928, entered the guitar making profession from the exalted position of being a much sought after cabinet maker.

It was Jose Ramirez the third who in 1959, and knowing of Contreras's reputation, invited him to join his guitar workshop. Within three years he had developed his craft sufficiently to set up as an independent guitar maker in Madrid.

Then, in 1962 Contreras set up on his own at number 80 Calle Mayor.

Although Contreras should not be considered as being a luthier opposed to tradition, as his primary model, the 1st Special guitar, is firmly based on the development of the traditionally accepted ideas of construction, his inquisitive character led him to work, from the early 70s, on a number of unusual instruments. A cursory investigation of his work reveals a maker who was much more open than many of his contemporaries to new ideas and developments beyond the traditional style of the classical guitar. An enthusiast for the unconventional.

His first achievement, in this sense, was the design of the model "Double Top", which Contreras presented in 1974, after a number of experiments in order to improve the tone and the volume of the instrument and its capacity to get the sound out of the guitar body. The great reception this model rapidly got in the professional guitar world (the first Double Tops, were closely observed during their process of construction and afterwards used by the four mythical guitarists members of the Romero family) encouraged Contreras to continue with this innovative way of working, far away from the mainstream of classical guitar design.

To this period also belongs the "Guitar-Harp", a very elaborated model in its construction, with a design of a great beauty and a very powerful sound. As well as the model "Alto-Guitar", a smaller instrument with a higher tuning than the conventional guitar. This instrument has been mainly sought after and appreciated, since then till our days, by the members of the prestigious Niibori Guitar Orchestra of Japan.

Contreras constructed the "Carlevaro" model in 1983. Based on an idea of the Uruguayan master Abel Carlevaro, it incorporates a number of very original new elements, as the missing waist on the bass side and the lack of a sound hole on the harmonic top.

In the mid 1980s, Contreras thought up the "Sounding Back Support", a design that he developed, already working side by side with his son Manuel Contreras II, during some years, up to the moment when they definitively incorporated this item to their top line guitars. Thoroughly designed to improve the sound response of the guitar, especially in large halls, chamber ensembles and performances with orchestra, this item got an immediate success in the professional guitar world.

Manuel Contreras died in 1994.

Other (Miscellanous Used/Vintage/Consign)

About Manufacturer

Here at Sound Pure we hand-select used and vintage pieces of gear for our inventory. Our used selection always reflects the high standards of quality and craftsmanship that we expect from all of our manufacturers.   We are a small team of dedicated experts, located in Durham, NC.  We buy, trade, and consign instruments that we truly believe in.  Because of this, we have developed a reputation of quality and trust with our customers, located all over the world.   Our best customers are the ones that truly understand our personal touch and commitment to everything we sell, and range from hobbyists and enthusiasts to some of the biggest names in the business.  Our passion bridges the products we love with the real relationships we develop with our customer - whether they are a lifelong musician, or they are just getting started on their musical journey but care about value, quality, and being treated right.  

We vigorously test everything we take in to ensure authenticity, functionality, and reliability.  We are supported by one of the most well-respected luthiers in the Southeast, guaranteeing products that come in are thoroughly vetted, and that products that go out our in premium, performance- ready shape.   We are so confident in our ability to provide the highest quality music equipment in the industry, we even invented our “Try Before You Buy” program where we can ship out a product before collecting actual payment. 

Sound Pure's inventory is constantly changing, ever-evolving, with some items sold before reaching the website.    Looking for something specific? Have questions about this product's condition or history?  Want more photos, or to simply chat with an expert who's had his hands on this actual piece of gear?  It is truly our pleasure to talk with our customers, please do contact us now.  

Specifications

Cedar Top

Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides

Spanish Cedar Neck

Ebony Fingerboard

Brazilian Rosewood Bridge

Brazilian Rosewood Headplate

Brazilian Rosewood Binding

Double Striped perfling

Mosaic Rosette

660mm Scale length

50mm nut width

59mm string spacing at saddle

14 3/4" Lower bout with

19 1/2" Body Length

4 1/16" Body depth

Gold Leaf engraved tuners with Pearl Buttons

original hardshell case