No. 3

Manuel Contreras’ Nº 3 is the entry point into Contreras’ concert range; the guitars made at the family’s Madrid workshop. As a genuine Madrid made Contreras concert guitar, it is an instrument built with the same artisanal philosophy as the higher models, but offered available at a lower price point than the flagship 1A model.

This 2021 guitar features a solid Canadian cedar top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides. A classic pairing that results in a voice that is warm, rounded, and bell like, with a singing treble and generous bass. The tonal profile is particularly well suited to romantic and Spanish repertoire, while remaining versatile enough for polyphonic and modern works.

The Nº 3 model delivers that genuine Madrid sound; that big, glossy, bell like tones made famous by Ramirez, Hernandez, Bernabe to name a few. The key tonal difference with this guitar is the level of refinement that tucks in the mid range, tightens up the bass (whilst retaining volume) and allows room for the trebles to sing. A narrower nut of 51.5mm and subsequently rounder neck shape is also a welcome break from the strict traditionalist 52mm+ nuts and flatter neck profiles of many a José Ramirez guitar, highlighting the maker’s consideration for the player’s comfort.

This guitar is secondhand and in very good overall condition with just a handful of marks consistent with general use. The most noticeable of which is a scratch on one side of the body (see pictures) caused by a guitar support slipping during use. The damage is purely cosmetic and has no impact on structure, playability, or sound, but it is clearly visible and has been reflected in the heavy discount in price. Aside from this, the guitar has been well cared for and remains an excellent musical tool. The owner originally purchased this guitar for £4,500 and this relatively young guitar is now being offered for just £2,400. Perfect for those seeking a genuine concert guitar by an established and desirable maker, but without having to pay the full price of a brand new model.