2012 Manuel Contreras 10th Anniversary #4 Spruce Madagascar

Description

2012 Manuel Contreras 10th Anniversary #4 Spruce Madagascar

Tone Woods

Measurements

2012 Manuel Contreras 10th Anniversary #4 Spruce Madagascar

Comments

This is a great example of the newer more modern Contreras Double Top, which, for those that know, is not a double top (tapa) at all.  It has an interior lining, usually of cedar, doubling the back.  Why not call it a double back?  Don’t know.  What I do know is that the many examples of these guitars that have crossed my workbench, where the back is stiffer, lending more energy to the top, creating a superbly warm and evocative instrument with more than adequate power.  Manuel Sr. experimented quite a bit, coming up with the Double Tapa in 1974 to raving success, improving that process over the next 10 years.  Manuel II has followed this tradition keeping the family name alive and well up until 2011, the year of his passing.  Guitars built by Pablo are quite difficult to come by, especially in such excellent condition.  It is also known that this model (the “10th Anniversary”) won 1st prize at the Joaquin Rodrigo competition in 2000. This particular guitar is the “premium series” version of their build, indicating top selection of their most valuable woods, while paying particular attention to the overall detailing of the guitar.  It is truly superb.

The guitar is very clean, with nominal fingernail marking on the top, in and around the rosette.  The Madagascar RW is superb, old school, nicely figured, with a pretty sapwood middle, with only a slight curve, lending an instant attractiveness to its overall coloration.  Her condition is clearly excellent!

The guitar emphasizes a balanced and crisp response, but not over-powering the mids or the trebles.   There’s a good amount of sing in this guitar, powerful and bold throughout her range.  The guitar is concert and recording studio worthy every day.

Setup is quite good, tweaked by me, cleaned, polished, frets dressed and shined up, where the guitar plays fast and furious.  I have strung her with Savage Classical Guitar Normal Tension strings (85lbs tension), as she responded much better to the normal tension strings.

Obviously, all first class material used by the Spanish master, the guitar is one of the nicest examples of his work from the late 2000’s that I have seen to date.

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Media

Listening with high quality headphones or audio equipment is highly recommended including EQ manipulation, if possible. We record everything flat with just a touch of Reverb to relieve dryness. My goal is to record the guitar as realistically as is possible. I speak in the recordings, my thoughts about the guitar (and possibly other things?).  My speaking also serves to give you my first impressions and to also give you a balance of the engineering (or lack thereof) versus the sound of the guitar.  I simply do not have time to engineer much of anything.  Thanks. Rich

MP3 Audio – 210816-2012 Manuel Contreras 10th Anniversary 4 Spruce Madagascar – a Beautiful guitar with the voice and sing to match.  Well balanced and powerful.

My Solo Book of sheet music is available here if you’re interested.

Richard F. Sayage – Solo Guitar Works Volume 1

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Video

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Shipping:

Premium Single Arch Top or Double Arch HSC is included in your purchase price.

Your listed Price does NOT include Shipping to the 50US

Please note that as a Global Statement for my site, for Tuning machines, Accessories, and most guitars, that Shipping is NOT Free any longer.  Costs have gone up dramatically.  Regardless of what or where you might read on the site, shipping is not free any longer.  Choose the least expensive method, if available, or Expedited if you want them quicker.  My apologies.  Rich

Please DO NOT Choose USPS Media Mail to ship a guitar or a Hard Shell Case – choose FedEx Home or Ground Delivery or any Expedited Method.  The more expensive a guitar, the more likely you should choose a 1 or 2 day method.  It’s pure common sense, especially when it is too hot or too cold outside.  

 I have added numerous options for you to choose the cost and method, including USPS Priority and Express, as well as FedEx options (we can substitute UPS for FedEx, simply indicate your preference in the Notes window at Check Out).  

Thank you!

Very Important:  International Clients, including Canada…Please note that we will NOT accept PayPal or any CC as payment.  All transactions must be finalized with Bank Wire Transfers for any amount over $1000 USD. Please see our discussion found here and scroll down to Customs – Duty and International Shipping .  Thank you!

Anywhere else is subject to the most recent quote from USPS
Please write to me for a detailed quote for International Shipping.
Packaging is professionally done within its hard-shell case.
It is always preferred that you come to the Studio to play it and pick it up.

All concert level guitars come with a standard accessory package including extra sets of strings, humidifier, headstock tuner, nail buffer and more to help you care for and maintain your classical guitar. It is my way of saying thank you for doing business with me and Savage Classical Guitar.  Rich

Warranty:

This classical guitar carries a No warranty as the guitar is Pre-Owned

Please read my Return Policy

Please inquire using email or phone (Contact Me)

Email me directly if you need more info: rich at savageclassical dot com