2007 Contreras II, Manuel 10th Anniversary Premium - Classical Guitar
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Audio played by David Stevenson
Artists who play instruments by this builder: Pepe Romero, Angel Romero, Celedonio & Celin Romero, Jorge Cardoso, Atahualpa Yupanqui, Jose Maria Gallardo del Rey, Carlos Perez, Iliana Matos, Eduardo Baranzano, Andrei Parfinovich, Ayrtem Dervoed, Miguel Angel Girollet, Ernesto Cordero
Manuel Contreras II Guitars, 2007 Contreras 10th Anniversary, Premium. This model is among Contreras' finest instruments - it was the first-prize winner of the Joaquin Rodrigo competition in October of 2000. This particular guitar is his "premium series" version of the instrument, which indicates top selection of materials and workmanship. The materials used are exquisite, featuring his best well-aged Brazilian rosewood and very dark, elegant cedar for the soundboard. Workmanship is to the highest standards - this can be instantly detected even with a quick glance at the detailing, particularly in the purfling and rosette. In the innovative Contreras spirit, this model is uniquely constructed with an inner-sounding back support, which allows the back to resonate freely - eliminating much of the normal dampening caused from contact with the players' body. The sound is penetrating and has exceptional sustain. It has huge projection and can fill any sized concert hall. A true "concert-grand" of an instrument. Manuel Contreras II died in January 2011 but his legacy continues through his instruments.
Manuel Contreras II Guitars, 2007 Contreras 10th Anniversary, Premium. This model is among Contreras' finest instruments - it was the first-prize winner of the Joaquin Rodrigo competition in October of 2000. This particular guitar is his "premium ...read full description
- Woods & Trim
- Back/Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
- Top Wood: Red Cedar
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Neck Wood: Spanish Cedar
- Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood, String Through
- Rosette: Mosaic
- Binding: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Bindings: None
- Headplate: Brazilian Rosewood
- Headstock Bindings: None
- Headstock Inlay: Birdsfoot Center Strip
- Top Trim: Custom Mosaic
- Back Strip: None
- Fret Markers: None
- Tuners: Fustero
- Tuner Finish: Gold With Brazilian Rosewood Buttons
- Measurements
- Body Size: Medium
- Scale: 649.986 mm (25.6 in.)
- Nut Width: 51.9999976 mm (2.05 in)
- String Spacing: 55.88 mm (2.2 in)
- Body Length: 19 3/4 in.
- Upper Bout: 11 1/2 in.
- Lower Bout: 15 in.
- Serial #: 153
- Body Depth @Neck Heel: 4 in.
- Body Depth @Tail Block: 4 1/4 in.
- Frets to body: 12
- Extras
- Cutaway: None
- Pickguard: None
- Case: Hardshell
- Pickup: None
- Condition: Excellent, just very light play marks.
Player Reviews:
"This is a great example of one of the finest guitar families in Classical Guitar History. The 10th Anniversary Premium features Manuel's finest woods and his amazing Sounding Back Support design. The key feature is a Cedar sound board that is positioned above the back braces allowing it to be unimpeded by the players body and to freely move with the energy of the guitar. This makes for enhanced projection and tone. You can really sense the added volume and resonance. I really like that you can hold the guitar close and still get all the tone. The woods here are simply the best, just look at the Brazilian Rosewood back, they do not come any finer and it is dramatic as well as quarter sawn for tone. The top is a very dark and old piece of Cedar, clearly saved for a special guitar like this. Manuel Contreras II unfortunatley passed away this year, but this instrument shall carry his legacy." - Paul Heumiller
