Manuel G Contreras Rare 1A Especial Classical Guitar 1968, Brazilian Rosewood/German Spruce Top

-Luthier: Manuel G Contreras 1968  Model: 1 A Especial; French Finish
SPECS: -Soundboard: German Spruce; -Back/Sides: Brazilian Rosewood; attractive double center strip in the back with purflings.; -Fingerboard: Ebony; -Bridge: Brazilian rosewood; -Neck & head: Cedar from Honduras; -Tuners: Original Fustero with Lyre pattern; -Scale 660mm; -nut: 54mm width; -saddle and nut in very good and original condition -Bindings: Brazilian Rosewood. -

Manuel G Contreras (Sr), started his own shop (taller) in 1962, after being rigorously trained for 3 years by Jose Ramirez III, where he built the first Concert Ramirez guitar of Andre Segovia in 1960. The shop is currently managed by a renown Spanish professor of classical guitar Victoria Velasco and the senior luthiers some of which trained by the master himself. This concert model was certified as a 1A Especial by Senora Velasco, through a direct correspondence in 2013, which will be available to any serious buyers with an offer.

I am the sole owner of this finest Vintage concert 1A Especial guitar built by and bought directly from Manuel G Contreras (Senior). Minimal playing wear: couple of small superficial scuffs on top, couple of superficial finish crazing on one side and one on top in the upper bout bass area not visualized by pics. One small hairline crack on the back which is hard to visualize on photos and one crack on top in the lower bout treble side and 1-2 cm for the edge of the soundboard (by slightly darker finish color post-repair). They were both repaired, re-polished and cleated/reinforced inside by a well-known and experienced professional luthier. Those cracks haven't grown or moved in over 22 years, hence stable and didn't affect the sound. This is a structurally fit gem of a guitar, with a German spruce top, premium Brazilian rosewood on the back & sides, which comes with traditional fan bracing.  Visually and from a cosmetic viewpoint, the French polish and general surface with minimal and very few playing wear, this instrument is in very good overall condition as seen on the pictures compared to other vintage guitars of that age. This is due to its limited usage (because I own a few other high-end guitars) in a mostly indoor, non-smoking and humidity-controlled condition. When possible, I am encouraging any serious buyer to come and try it in order to evaluate it. One audio clip is available. The guitar will be shipped with its original hard shell case, which is also in great condition.

Sound:  This guitar produces an impressive sound palette; its overall sound is strong and authoritative with a truly amazing balance and great projection and sustain in all registers.  The basses are strong, warm and resonant, the trebles with a clear voice projecting immediate attack and producing a full and rounded tone with great separation. In summary, it demonstrates a beautiful and robust concert sound with a broadly refined, mature and and aged tone and it also plays comfortably.

Please inspect all pictures carefully because they are part of the description. All questions are welcome and, additional pics will be available if requested. The guitar is offered "AS IS", which means NO RETURNS! The total quoted cost of shipping to any potential buyer from Canada does not include yet extra-shipping costs, customs and other international fees, which will be the buyer's responsibility to find about and pay for. For all buyers, immediate payment with Reverb is required with confirmed address and signature of the buyer.