1969 Manuel Contreras 1a (Spain) 662 mm scale, 53 mm nut, spruce top, Brazilian rosewood Sides and back, original catalyzed urethane varnish.  Manuel Contreras was one of the original principal workmen in the shop of José Ramírez III who along with Paulino Bernabe and Felix Manzanero were responsible for creating the design of the fabled Ramírez 1a in the late 1950’s, a design that is still in production by the current Ramírez shop more than 60 years later!  Manuel left the Ramírez shop around 1962 to establish his own operation on Calle Mayor where he made this instrument in 1969.  Internally it is nearly identical to the Ramírez 1a design he and his colleagues had created nearly a decade earlier, a design which to this day continues to be relevant to top guitarists.  The trebles have an operatic penetrating quality and intensity which is perfectly balanced by the profound basses which have depth without sounding flabby.  The spruce top, which the Ramírez shop stopped using around 1965 on their 1a’s encourages a more colorful touch from the player and this instrument responds.  If you’ve ever wanted to own one of the rare early 1960’s Ramírez spruce top 1a’s this instrument is the perfect alternative, and the action is much easier and lower than those typically seen on Ramírez’ of the same era.  There is one previously repaired back crack which is plainly visible and stable which we recommended to leave as it is and hence the price has been set very attractively at $5000