Manuel Contreras 10th Anniversary Double back

Manuel Contreras II – 10th Anniversary model (double back and sides)

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 Spruce 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.

Artists Who Play Contreras Guitars:
-Pepe Romero
-Angel Romero
-Celedonio and Celin Romero
-Abel Carlevaro
-Jorge Cardoso
-Jose Maria Gallardo del Rey
-Carlos Perez
-Ernesto Cordero
-Marcin Dylla
-Denis Azabagic
-Juan Serrano
-Paco Peña
-Costas Cotsiolis

Specifications
Model: 10th Anniversary, Premium With Sounding Back Support Feature inside the sound box

Type: Classical, Concert
Year: 2004
Back/Sides Wood: Brazilian Rosewood
Top Wood: Spruce
Neck Wood: Cedar
Headplate: Bookmatched Brazilian Rosewood
Backplate: none
Headstock Inlay: none
Headstock Bindings: none
Fingerboard: ebony
Fingerboard Bindings: none
Fret Markers: none
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood
Body Bindings: Rosewood
Rosette: Custom 10th Anniversary Mosaic
Tuners: Fostero style but with advance rolling bolbring inside for maximum tuning efficiency plus with Pearl buttons
Pickup: none
Condition: Used
Scale Length: 650 mm
Nut Width: 52 mm
Strings Spacing: 56 mm

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 clear Spruce sound board that is positioned above the back braces allowing it to be unimpeded by the player’s 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 Spruce, clearly saved for a special guitar like this.