| Ignacio Manzano Rozas was a former cabinet maker who began making guitars in the Ramirez shop in 1961. His instruments were initialed internally on the foot ³I.M.² He left in 1970 to work for Manuel Contreras whose shop was at Calle Mayor 80. In 1989 he left the Contreras shop to open his own shop, on the same street at number 66, which caused a falling out between the two. This instrument is typical of Rozası deluxe models with the stylized ebony toreador hat sitting atop the head. Unlike his earlier 1a models, this one is much simpler in the body decoration without the fussy herringbone border he used to favor. This is more than made up for in the exquisite selection of Brazilian rosewood and triple A grade materials used throughout this guitar. The tone is very full and lush in keeping with the best Madrid cedar traditions. Colorful, with lots of sustain, this is a very quintessential classical guitar in every sense of the word. The action is for the most demanding concert player, yet is is very easy to play, as the guitar is quick out of the blocks, and has a large range. With the catalyzed urethane varnish, this is the perfect touring concert stage guitar for the most demanding player. SN 307 |
