| 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 perfectly preserved example from 1984 is his 1a Brazilian model and has a very beautiful, clear colorful tone, with very singing expressive trebles and pleasing round bass. The action is quite easy, perfectly set up, and the neck is his typical flattened oval profile. Although Manuel made more expensive models which were more highly decorated, or had some bizarre features, such as laminated backs, covered sound holes, etc., in my opinion from a musicianıs standpoint, this model represents the musical zenith of his lutherie. |
