Manuel Rodriguez Handmade 1961

1961 Manuel Rodriguez No. 160 (USA), 653 mm, 50 mm nut spaced 42 mm 1-6, action measuring 3 mm/ 2 mm at 12th fret under 6th and 1st. Spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and back, original french polish of shellac, original German Kolb tuning machines. Yes, this guitar was made in Los Angeles, California during the period when Manuel relocated to the USA. In our opinion the guitars he personally built during this period are representative of his finest work, and can be seen being played by Segovia and his wife Emilita Corral in the Vladimir Bobri “Segovia Technique'' book. Having shared shop space with Arcangel Fernandez, the only student of the great Marcelo Barbero before moving to California, this guitar shows the very distinct influence of Marcelo's work via Arcangel including the outline, top bracing, and general interior detailing. The sound is crisp, immediate and very Spanish without being bass heavy. Very even, singing and colorful, it is a pure joy to play and light years above the current Rodriguez models in its immediacy, balance and color. Very easy to play, it recently received a new fingerboard in the Brune shop and a light padding over of the french polish on top of the original. Despite being over half a century old, there are no cracks or repairs, a testimony to the care and precision of Manuel's original work, and the guitar is more viable now than ever, ready for another half century of music making. A very rare and outstanding instrument in every detail. $7500

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