| Manuel Contreras Sr. began his career in the shop of Jose Ramirez III and in association with Paulino Bernabe, and Felix Manzanero he was one of the three luthiers most responsible for the creation of the world famous Ramirez guitar. Around 1963 he left the Ramirez shop to establish his own shop at Calle Mayor #80 by the Puerta del Sol in Madridıs old quarter where his shop remains today under the direction of his son. This 1968 cypress flamenco is in my opinion some of his finest work, being neither Ramirez clone, nor too experimental, as were some of Manuel's later designs toward the end of his career. Exceptionally well preserved, with minimal handling and playing wear, this instrument has a very lively feminine quality, very much like a good Barbero, and it is exceptionally easy to play, and very beautiful to behold. With its traditional thinner body, the rosette and bridge feature matching mosaics and the purflings have a subtle green line running around the body circumference, all very Andalusian in allegorical significance. The European spruce top has darkened nicely over time to a beautiful golden amber, as has the perfect cypress sides and back, and even after all these years, it still effervesces a seductive aroma when held against a warm body. Signed on the label by Manuel, this was his finest flamenco model in 1968, and is also one of the first to receive the catalyzed urethane varnish, which is still in perfect condition. |
