Antonio Picado Model 60 DT ‘double top’, cedar, Indian rosewood, immaculate

Antonio Picado Model 60 DT ‘double top’, cedar, Indian rosewood, immaculate as new

This guitar was handmade by master luthier Carlos Prat and Angel Genis in the Antonio Picado workshop in the Pyrenees outside Barcelona in 2024. This model gives ‘concert instruments twice this price a run for their money’ (so says an expert reviewer, see links below).

Some years ago, this model was, in fact, listed as a ‘concert guitar’ until the decision to designate guitars only made with Madagascar rosewood as ‘concert level’; a baffling decision when most concern guitars have Indian rosewood.

The ‘Double top’ in this case refers to a double-back construction pioneered by Manuel Contreras (and used by Jose Ramirez) to give guitars better projection without sacrificing sound quality. A stiffer 1.9-mm Indian rosewood layer is bonded to a 1.2-mm more flexible cedar layer to give the soundbox greater vibration energy.

 It’s an elegantly constructed instrument with high-quality tuners and a beautiful wood grain. The tone is rich and sonorous with great projection and balance. You can listen to the model (which may be this very guitar, as I purchased it here) on the video link below

It’s set up with D’Addario Pro Arte EJ45 fluorocarbon trebles and silverplated wound bases, which suit it well, with tie-off beads to protect the wood. The action and the neck profile with an ebony inlay are very comfortable. It comes with a VGV quality Italian hardcase (see images).

The Model 60 DT retails at £2,200 but is challenging to find in the UK with a current waiting list.

If I weren’t relocating overseas, this would be a ‘keeper’. I am moving to Spain where I have other guitars, so my UK collection is being sold (and soon all my winter clothes!)

I could courier UK wide for £38 or you are welcome to try it in TW9 Richmond Upon Thames.