Description

Manuel de la Chica 1968 – excellent guitar from one of Granadas greatest luthiers.

Manuel de la Chica (1911-1998) is one of the most important guitar builders from Granada up to date. He was a self-taught luthier who studied and reproduced the guitars of Santos Hernandez in the 1930s. He later spent some time in Pepe de la Alhambra’s workshop, who worked with Benito Ferrer, before setting up his workshop. Unfortunately, he had to retire due to a health problem caused by the inhalation of dust and chemicals in 1973.

This 1968 Manuel de la Chica guitar is a zenith of Spanish guitar craftsmanship. Embodying the rich heritage of Spanish luthiery, this guitar is a testament to the talent and mastery of the legendary guitar maker Manuel de la Chica.

This fine instrument was built in 1968. Manuel de la Chica has used wonderful woods for it.
The guitar’s back, and sides are crafted from stunning mahogany. Manuel de la Chica had the opportunity to acquire old Cuban mahogany from a 16th century church interior. This enabled him to build many of his guitars with the highest quality mahogany. The aesthetic allure of this wood, its grain, and its hue contribute a distinct touch of artistry to the instrument.
The spruce soundboard is a marvel of structural integrity and acoustic engineering, featuring seven fan braces and an additional short diagonal brace on the lower bout’s treble and bass sides. These reinforcements bolster the instrument’s resilience while influencing its tonal characteristics.

Sonically, the guitar boasts a primary body resonance at the F frequency, producing bass notes that are profoundly deep and haunting, enveloping the listener in a captivating auditory experience. The trebles are bright and lively in perfect counterbalance, cutting through with clarity and brilliance. Together, this guitar’s bass and treble ranges create a harmonious interplay of sound that can only be described as music at its purest form. This 1968 Manuel de la Chica guitar encapsulates the epitome of Spanish guitar-making tradition, preserving the artistry, craftsmanship, and tonal excellence that Manuel de la Chica himself championed.

This guitar has been restored. Some cracks have been repaired and the guitar has a newer finish as well as a new bridge. The scale length is 660 mm and the nut width 53 mm. It comes with a newer guitar case.

An instrument of such caliber is more than just a musical tool—it is a piece of history, a work of art, and a source of inspiration for musicians and aficionados alike.