AlhambraGuitars

Alhambra 3-C Classical Guitar

2010-07-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hand-crafted in Spain, with a solid red Cedar top, laminated mahogany sides and back, mahogany neck, Indian Rosewood fingerboard, and nickel plated heads.

Newly designed with – like all Alhambras – great attention to details!

You enjoy two borders of tropical wood, black inlay between border and a beautiful light wood headstock.

3 layers of varnish make this guitar looking so good — unbeliveable for the price!!!

What makes Alhambra guitars alluring is that their native sound so effortlessly captures the evocative, romantic, and proud spirit of the music of Spain. The Alhambra sound is earthy, full, warm, direct and full of character and personality. It is a voice that gives authentic expression to the charm and passion indigenous to the music of its homelandMellow sound, fun to strum, easy differentiation between strings when finger-picking; you even can flat-picking “a la Willie Nelson”!

A loud and clear sound strikes you, along with a much larger range of tonal possiblities than any competitiors’ model.

Free Basic Shipping

Contact us to buy it at great discounted price!

Alhambra 4P, the best selling Alhambra

2010-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Alhambra 4-P Classical Guitar

Here is the best selling Alhambra.
4 layers of light varnish highlight the solid Red Western Cedar top and a gorgeous one-sided Rosewood laminate on back and side.
The fingerboard is made of gorgeous Ebony!
You notice the Machine heads (aka tuning keys, tuners) are superior quality. They allow you smooth and precise tuning.
Ebony knobs… wow… Really high class!

The soundboard – major influence on the guitar’s sound – consists of a thin piece of softwood that is supported by 7 braces like the Iberia.
2 harmonic bars at the bottom will enhance a full-bodied, warm and rich sound.
The important qualities of such woods include a close grain count and high stiffness to mass ratio (allows maximum output for the minimum input), resilience, light weight and resonance.
Beautifully hand-crafted in Spain with a lashy handmade inlaid wood Rosette proves all the attention from the Alhambra Guitar Makers.

Features:
Top: Solid Red Cedar
Back/Sides: Laminated Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Tuners: Gold Plated

Buy it Online, 10% discount, Free Shipping, 3 Years Full Warranty!

Alhambra Guitar USA International Competition Schedule

2010-04-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hello!

It's a great pleasure to invite you to an exceptional event.
Alhambra Guitar International Competition.

Witness the birth of three new stars in the guitar world! Six performers from all over the world will perform in front of you and a panel of judges on

Saturday, April 24th and Sunday, April 25th, 2010.
See Schedule below.
Each event is only $5 and will benefit the non-profit organization for hospitalized children Musical Angels.
Tickets available at the door. FREE Refreshments offered at all events!
South Side on Lamar and Musica For The World are located at:

1409 South Lamar Street,
Dallas, Texas 75215.

A most special and exclusive performance will take place on Saturday night at Studio 101 (Musica For The World).

Saturday Afternoon, April 24, 2010
3-5 p.m.: First Round of Semi-Final ($5)
5-5:30: BREAK
5-7: Guitar Master Class given by Mr. Carlo Pezzimenti ($5)
7-7:30: BREAK
7:30-9: Second Round of [Semi-Final ($5)
9-9:30: BREAK
9:30-10:30: Special Performance by Mr. Pezzimenti and Mr. Rowe. FREE but
Donations to Musical Angels Accepted.

Sunday Afternoon, April 25, 2010
2-5 p.m.: Three Finalists perform and the three top prizes are awarded ($5)
5-6: Reception to meet and greet the artists and jury members

The six contestants are:
Eduardo Costa (Brazil), Leonardo Garcia (USA), Yang LuYang (China), Danilo Moraes (Brazil), Minh Nguyen (Vietnam), Renato Serrano (Chile).

The four members of the jury are:
Mr. Philippe Bertaud, Artistic Director of the 2010 USA Alhambra International Guitar Competition
Mr. Paul Cortese, Assistant Director of TCU School of Music
Mr. Geoff Ferdon, Vice-President of Alhambra Guitars USA
Mr. Carlo Pezzimenti, Music Faculty at Brookhaven College and Texas Woman's University

First Prize
Alhambra Concert Guitar and 50 sets of D'Addario strings
D'Addario/Planet Waves Guitar Accessories
Featured concert and master class presenter at the 2011 Guitar Competition
A concert at the International Round Guitar Festival 2010
A concert at Five Towns College Guitar Festival
A concert at Greater Houston Guitar Guild

Second Prize
10 sets of D'Addario strings and Planet Waves Guitar Accessories

Sheet Music Guitar Collection offered by Carl Fisher Publishing

Third Prize
10 sets of D'Addario strings and Planet Waves Guitar Accessories
A one-year subscription to Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Taking Care of Your Alhambra Classical Guitar

2010-04-02T03:11:00.000-07:00

Guitars normally require little maintenance. However, care in handling and storage will protect your investment for many years to come.

• Never expose your guitar to high heat and humidity. For example, don't leave your guitar in a hot car or in direct sunlight. Typical heat damage consists of warped soundboards and unglued (detached) bridges.

• Never lean your guitar on furniture or the wall. The guitar is unstable (the lower bout is round) and can easily fall and be damaged. Always store your guitar in a case or on a guitar stand.

• Wash your hands before playing. Dirt and oil will clog and corrode the strings and diminish considerably the sound and life of your strings.

• Handle the guitar only by the neck. Squeezing the top and body may damage delicate soundboard bracing.

• Wipe your guitar off with a soft cotton or mircofiber cloth after playing. Clean and polish your guitar occasionally with a light polish such as Planet Waves. Avoid heavy paste waxes as they build up into a thick, vibration muffling coating.

• Check preamp batteries monthly. A leaking battery can quickly destroy battery contacts and circuit boards. Never leave a battery in a guitar when being stored for extended periods.

Finally, change your strings periodically. While old dead strings won't harm your guitar, worn strings reduce your enjoyment factor, are out of tune and make the most expensive tone ladden instrument sound like it was made from cactus wood and cardboard.
Alhambra Classical Guitars online

Alhambra Classical Guitars at Discounted Price!

2010-03-31T01:18:00.000-07:00

Alhambra Classical Guitars

Enjoy the Passion, Grace and Fire of Alhambra Classical Guitars
and discover different models. From beginners to concert-models they are all handmade in Spain in the purest tradition.
Classical Guitars Alhambra 2C
Description:

As you play it for the first time, you now enjoy a guitar with great volume and clarity, and a much larger range of tonal possibilities.

Only move your right hand a tiny bit… the tone is different! You realize it offers so many possibilities for new interpretations.

From the sweetest tone to “Flamenco like” now you can expand your palette of expression.

Features:
TOP: Solid German Spruce or Solid Red Cedar
SIDES & BACK: Laminated Mahogany
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Indian Rosewood
MACHINE HEADS Nickel Plated
BINDING: Only on top SIZES: Requinto (1/2), Cadete (3/4) and Señorita (7/8)

Options: E1 Elect. Fishman Classic 4 E2
Elect. Fishman Prefix ProBlend
Pickguard
Sizes
Señorita: 636 mm Cadete: 580 mm Requinto: 544 mm

Buy your Alhambra Classical Guitars at a great discount directly from us, with Free Shipping. We offer all models, including the renown Luthier Series, Señorita, Cadette, and Requinto Sizes, left handed versions, and steel string guitars of outstanding quality. Place orders securely using online, over the phone, using the mail order form or by email.

Lowest Price Guaranteed!. We Offer Every Option!

Alhambra Guitars online. Free shipping, 10% discount!

2010-03-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

Alhambra 4-P Classical Guitar

Here is the best selling Alhambra.
4 layers of light varnish highlight the solid Red Western Cedar top and a gorgeous one-sided
Rosewood laminate on back and side.
The fingerboard is made of
gorgeous Ebony!
You notice the Machine heads (aka tuning
keys, tuners) are superior quality. They allow you smooth and precise tuning.
Ebony knobs... wow... Really high class!

The soundboard -
major influence on the guitar’s sound - consists of a thin piece of softwood
that is supported by 7 braces like the Iberia.
2 harmonic bars at the bottom will enhance a full-bodied, warm and rich sound.The important qualities of such woods include a close grain count and high stiffness to mass ratio (allows maximum output for the minimum
input), resilience, light weight and resonance.
Beautifully hand-crafted in Spain with a lashy handmade inlaid wood Rosette proves
all the attention from the Alhambra guitars makers

Features:
Top: Solid Red
Cedar
Back/Sides: Laminated
Rosewood
Neck:
Mahogany
Fingerboard:
Ebony
Tuners: Gold Plated
Buy it Online, 10% discount, Free Shipping, 3 Years Full Warranty!

Big Deals on Ebay

2010-03-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Alhambra 4P

Here is the best selling Alhambra.
4 layers of light varnish highlight the solid Red Western Cedar top and a gorgeous one-sided Rosewood laminate on back and side.
The fingerboard is made of gorgeous Ebony!
You notice the Machine heads (aka tuning keys, tuners) are superior quality. They allow you smooth and precise tuning.
Ebony knobs… wow… Really high class!

The soundboard – major influence on the guitar’s sound – consists of a thin piece of softwood that is supported by 7 braces like the Iberia.
2 harmonic bars at the bottom will enhance a full-bodied, warm and rich sound.
The important qualities of such woods include a close grain count and high stiffness to mass ratio (allows maximum output for the minimum input), resilience, light weight and resonance.
Beautifully hand-crafted in Spain with a lashy handmade inlaid wood Rosette proves all the attention from the Alhambra Guitar Makers.

Features:
Top: Solid Red Cedar
Back/Sides: Laminated Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Tuners: Gold Plated

Price: $790.00 Free Shipping!http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300400506124
Alhambra 11P Concert Model

Solid woods throughout, Indian Rosewood back & sides fine grain high quality Western Red Cedar. The fingerboard is made of the nicest dark Ebony you have ever seen. Luxury Gold Plated Machine Heads are top quality, holding the tuning straight as a dial.
The first thing you notice is the 20th fret, expanding the instrument range.
This guitar’s appearance is subtly beautiful.
Fineness of the finish and warm color of the various woods, but a closer look reveals lovely details. The tightness and especially the eveness of the grain in the Cedar Top is exceptional. The ‘gold’ appearing inlay in the back is also lovely. All workmanship is flawless.
Headstock design is different and there is green double border inlay emphasizing the beauty of this concert guitar.
The high gloss finish is a kind of smooth and very nice feeling.

Harmonic bar reinforcements arched like a bridge, also called “Scalloped Bracing”. Being glued at only few critical points, this type of bracing let the top vibrate freely. Reason why the guitar is so responsive!

More Pics and Videos:http://www.buy-classical-guitars.com/alhambra-guitars-online/spain/alhambra-11-p/

Sweet full sound with lot of volume and clarity across the complete register. Very resonant with tremendous sustain and a really a “good kick” in the lower register. The most striking thing about this 11C’s tone is the way it responds to a players touch.
- As the ‘attack’ increases the guitar becomes not just louder, but brighter. This rewards good playing technique and gives the musician great latitude of expression.
That marks the especially fine classical guitar.

Features:
Top: Solid German Spruce or Solid Red Cedar
Back/Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
Neck: Spanish Cedar
Fingerboard: Ebony
Tuners: Luxury Gold Plated

Free Shipping, 3Years Full Warranty!
$2,531.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120535509283

Alhambra Luthier Rio

Just touching it is a sensual experience, the beautiful finish; I should say the perfect finish, the incredible quality of Solid German Spruce top with very tight and regular nodules all across it. The back and sides are made of gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood.The revolutionary floating bracing pattern gives it a really phenomenal tone and projection, amazingly rich and refined. Its fullness, tone quality, craftsmanship, volume, projection, and playability are superb. This guitar is a wonderful example of the fine work of the luthiers at Alhambra. This is by far one of the best guitar you have played. You now explore the endless possibilities of tone for new interpretations.

More Pictures:

http://www.buy-classical-guitars.com/alhambra-guitar-models/alhambra-professional/luthier-rio/

Video: http://vimeo.com/6363853

Features:TOP: Solid Red Cedar or Solid German Spruce
SIDES & BACK: Solid Indian Rosewood
NECK: Spanish Cedar Reinforced inside with Ebony Wood
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
MACHINE HEADS: Luxury Gold Plated
Price $3,000!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300407187735&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Alhambra Luthier India: Great Deal!

2010-03-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

The Alhambra Luthier India is a beautifully guitar crafted by two of the master luthiers at Alhambra, Mengual and Margarit.

The instrument we are highlighting today is the prestigious ' Luthier India ' concert grade classical guitar which features a Master Grade cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back & sides.
This instrument has a very limited production and represents the finest quality tonewoods and craftsmanship offered by this traditional Spanish company.
This guitar has an amazingly rich and refined tone, clarity, an even response and a lush overall sonority that has a rich layer of overtones on every note!
Listen to the Luthier India [Asturias by Isaac Albeniz] - Free Download [right click to save it]
It has a revolutionary bracing pattern that gives it a really phenomenal sound.
It's fullness, tone quality, craftsmanship, volume, projection, and playability are superb. This guitar is a wonderful example of the fine work of the luthiers at Alhambra.
Features:
Top: Red Canadian Cedar (shown in photo)
Back/Sides: Indian Rosewood
Neck: Spanish Cedar
Fingerboard: Ebony
Tuners: Luxury Gold Plated

Get your Alhambra at a great discount directly from us, with Free Shipping. We offer all models, including the reknown Luthier Series, Señorita, Cadette, and Requinto Sizes, left handed versions, and steel string guitars of outstanding quality. Place orders securely using online, over the phone, using the mail order form or by email. Be sure to include the options for the model you order in the comments section. We Offer Every Option! Allow Five Working Days For Us To Process Your Order!

TEN Percent Discount on most direct purchase orders over $100 - Free Basic Shipping for orders over $200

Buy It Online!

Alhambra 4-P Classical Guitar

2010-02-26T03:37:00.000-08:00

Alhambra 4P

Alhambra 4P Classical Guitar

The Alhambra 4-P features all the basics of a great guitar: solid cedar top, rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard, mahogany neck and gold plated heads. Plus, this one is a screamer, i.e., one of the loudest guitars I've played in this price range. 52mm nut and 65cm string length. Made in Spain.4 layers of light varnish highlight the solid Red Western Cedar top and a gorgeous one-sided Rosewood laminate on back and side.
The fingerboard is made of gorgeous Ebony!

The soundboard – major influence on the guitar’s sound – consists of a thin piece of softwood that is supported by 7 braces like the Iberia.
2 harmonic bars at the bottom will enhance a full-bodied, warm and rich sound.

An affordable solid-top nylon-string with lovely tones, Spanish allure, and exceptional intonation and playability.

Craftsmen at the Alhambra guitar factory in Muro de Alcoy, Spain, have been building guitars since 1965, and their extensive line of guitars-which includes everything from laminate instruments for beginners to professional-quality, solid-wood guitars-is available worldwide through an impressive network of distributors. The 4P model we received for review is the first in Alhambra's rosewood lineup, with subsequent models-5P through 11P-boasting more features, progressively higherquality materials, and, of course, heftier prices. Judging from this 4P, however, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to make your playing an experience!

Buy Alhambra Guitars Online, Free Shipping, Great Discount, 3 Years Full Warranty!

Should I Choose a Nylon or Steel String Guitar?

2010-02-23T02:45:00.000-08:00

Overview

Select the Guitar That Reflects Your Musical Interest
Nylon String Guitars Are Typically Used for Classical and Folk Music; Steel String Guitars for Rock, Country and Most Other Styles
No Matter What You Choose, Every New Guitar Needs To Be Adjusted
With Either Type of String, Fingers Will Initially Become A Little Tender And Sore
Strings Are Not Interchangeable Between Nylon and Steel String Guitars
Nylon Strings May Need To Be Tuned More Frequently
The Misconception

Ideally, your choice of a nylon or steel string guitar will be based on your musical preference. In order to help you determine that preference, we have provided the following information about the differences between nylon and steel strings, and the characteristics of each.

Select the Guitar That Reflects Your Musical Interest

Select the type of guitar that is commonly used in the music you are interested in learning, as this will greatly increase your motivation to play and practice.

Nylon String Guitars Are Typically Used for Classical and Folk Music; Steel String Guitars for Rock, Country and Most Other Styles

Nylon string, or classical guitars, are traditionally used for classical music; however, the mellow tone and responsiveness of the nylon strings can be enjoyed for folk or any other style of music (Willie Nelson performs on a nylon string guitar).

Steel string guitars are used for rock, country and many other styles of music, but it is a matter of personal choice. They have a crisp, bright tone as compared to nylon string guitars. Listen to different recording artist that perform on nylon and steel string guitars to help you find the sound that is the most appealing to you.

No Matter What You Choose, Every New Guitar Needs To Be Adjusted

This is a good area in which to exercise caution. Most new guitars are sold right out of the box and are not properly adjusted for easy playability. They may have a basic factory set-up, but the entry level to intermediate selling price point prohibits extended manufacturing and adjustment time on the instruments. They are generally considered acceptable by the music industry, but as a music teacher I have found it difficult for most adults and almost impossible for young students to play these guitars (this is also true for other entry and intermediate level instruments as well). Above all else, make sure your guitar is properly adjusted, as this will greatly insure your interest and success on the guitar.

With Either Type of String, Fingers Will Initially Become A Little Tender And Sore

Initially, playing on either nylon or steel strings will make the fingertips a little tender and sore, but with a little time and practice will go away. Nylon strings are made of a softer, less dense material and are under less tension than steel strings. As a result, they are slightly easier to push down, provided the instrument is properly adjusted. Steel string guitars are under a higher amount of tension and therefore the strings are somewhat harder to push down than nylon strings, but the difference is not great as long as the guitars are correctly adjusted for easy playability.

Strings Are Not Interchangeable Between Nylon and Steel String Guitars

Whatever decision you make, remember that the two types of strings are not interchangeable on one guitar. Steel string guitars are designed and manufactured for steel strings and will provide the most playability, intonation and sound when used with steel strings. Steel strings on a nylon string guitar will damage the instrument because it is not designed or braced for higher tension strings.

Nylon Strings May Need To Be Tuned More Frequently

Nylon strings tend to go out of tune more easily due to temperature and humidity changes because they are made of a softer material. Steel is a little more stable. Regardless, an instrument should be tuned before and sometimes during each practice session.

The Misconception

Whether you start with a nylon or steel string guitar, your fingers tips will initially become a little tender and sore. Fortunately it is usually not enough to cause you to stop playing as the slight discomfort quickly goes away. The misconception is generally the result of too many people playing on unadjusted instruments and/or music instructors not being aware that instruments need or can be adjusted. When playing an unadjusted nylon and steel string guitar, the nylon strings will certainly feel softer. However, the unadjusted nylon string guitar will cause more discomfort than a well- adjusted steel string guitar. Overall, you choice between a nylon string classical guitar and a steel string guitar should be based on your musical preferences and not on the preconceived idea of one being easier to play than the other.

Buy a Nylon String Guitar at Discount Price!

Should I Choose a Nylon or Steel String Guitar?

2010-02-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

Overview

Select the Guitar That Reflects Your Musical Interest

Nylon String Guitars Are Typically Used for Classical and Folk Music; Steel String Guitars for Rock, Country and Most Other Styles

No Matter What You Choose, Every New Guitar Needs To Be Adjusted

With Either Type of String, Fingers Will Initially Become A Little Tender And Sore

Strings Are Not Interchangeable Between Nylon and Steel String Guitars

Nylon Strings May Need To Be Tuned More Frequently

The Misconception

Ideally, your choice of a nylon or steel string guitar will be based on your musical preference. In order to help you determine that preference, we have provided the following information about the differences between nylon and steel strings, and the characteristics of each.

Select the Guitar That Reflects Your Musical Interest

Select the type of guitar that is commonly used in the music you are interested in learning, as this will greatly increase your motivation to play and practice.

Nylon String Guitars Are Typically Used for Classical and Folk Music;
Steel String Guitars for Rock, Country and Most Other Styles

Nylon string, or classical guitars, are traditionally used for classical music; however, the mellow tone and responsiveness of the nylon strings can be enjoyed for folk or any other style of music (Willie Nelson performs on a nylon string guitar). Steel string guitars are used for rock, country and many other styles of music, but it is a matter of personal choice. They have a crisp, bright tone as compared to nylon string guitars. Listen to different recording artist that perform on nylon and steel string guitars to help you find the sound that is the most appealing to you.

No Matter What You Choose, Every New Guitar Needs To Be Adjusted

With Either Type of String, Fingers Will Initially Become A Little Tender And Sore

Initially, playing on either nylon or steel strings will make the fingertips a little tender and sore, but with a little time and practice will go away. Nylon strings are made of a softer, less dense material and are under less tension than steel strings. As a result, they are slightly easier to push down, provided the instrument is properly adjusted. Steel string guitars are under a higher amount of tension and therefore the strings are somewhat harder to push down than nylon strings, but the difference is not great as long as the guitars are correctly adjusted for easy playability.

Strings Are Not Interchangeable Between Nylon and Steel String Guitars

Nylon Strings May Need To Be Tuned More Frequently

The Misconception

Whether you start with a nylon or steel string guitar, your fingers tips will initially become a little tender and sore. Fortunately it is usually not enough to cause you to stop playing as the slight discomfort quickly goes away.
The misconception is generally the result of too many people playing on unadjusted instruments and/or music instructors not being aware that instruments need or can be adjusted. When playing an unadjusted nylon and steel string guitar, the nylon strings will certainly feel softer. However, the unadjusted nylon string guitar will cause more discomfort than a well- adjusted steel string guitar. Overall, you choice between a nylon string classical guitar and a steel string guitar should be based on your musical preferences and not on the preconceived idea of one being easier to play than the other.

Buy Alhambra Guitars Online, Free Shipping, Great Discount, 3 Years Full Warranty!

Guitar Lessons in Fort Worth

Alhambra 1C

2010-01-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Classical Guitar Alhambra 1C is made by people who take guitar things seriously. Hand made in Spain it has a solid Cedar top!

This guitar beautiful guitar has the sound and personality you would expect from an instrument made in Spain.

They took the time to adjust each guitar by hand, tune back and top... those guys know what they do: they have been making guitars for ages. Do not forget Spain is the craddle of guitars!

Responsive and robust in tone, the more you play it, the better it sounds. Like a good wine, solid tops age and become better.

Which means:

The incredible sound you get out of it will even be better… better than good !

Take a closer look at the "Beauty" and click on pictures to have the feel of what you'll get in your hands:
Right out of the box this guitar surprises you with its perfect finish, beautiful woods and light weight. “Savoir faire” and quality are the first words coming up to your mind.

As you play it for the first time, you now enjoy a guitar with great volume and clarity, and a much larger range of tonal possiblities.Only move your right hand a tiny bit… the tone is different! You realize it offers so many possibilities for new interpretations.From the sweetest tone to “Flamenco like” now you can expand your palette of expression.

Features:

Top: Solid Red Cedar
Back/Sides: Laminated Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Tuners: Nickel Plated
Buy Alhambra Guitars Online, Great Discount, Free Shipping, 3 Years Full Warranty!

Alhambra 4-P Classical Guitar

2010-01-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

Alhambra 4-P

Alhambra 4-P Classical Guitar

Reviews from Europe>

An affordable solid-top nylon-string with lovely tones, Spanish allure, and exceptional intonation and playability.

Price: $810.00 Free Shipping!

Budget for your guitar

2009-12-21T07:04:00.000-08:00

In terms of acoustic guitars, the quality and type of woods used have an enormous impact on the sound, and if you are in a position to spend thousands of dollars on a high-end guitar with lovingly hand-made solid spruce or cedar top, rosewood neck, ebony fingerboard and finely worked shell inlays, that’s great. The error here is to assume that this is the only kind of guitar to aspire to.

But you do not really have to spend thousands of bucks to aquire your first instrument and still find a more than decent one.

Solid Top Guitar

When you're shopping for a classical guitar the top is, by far, the most important feature.

The soundboard - also called "top" - is the most vital component because it vibrates like a diaphragm to create the guitar's tone and project your personality. Soundboards in better guitars are made from solid spruce or cedar, soft woods that vibrate easily.

As a solid wood soundboard is played over months, even years, it grows in beauty of tone and volume.

Laminated soundboards are resonate far less than solid wood and don't "break in".

However, plywood is stronger than solid wood and makes a good choice for outdoor use.

Back & Sides

Not only the back and sides, provide a structural support for the soundboard and neck, but they also form a resonating chamber:
- they amplify the sounds from the strings and top.
Rosewood is traditionally used for backs and sides but other hardwoods such as mahogany, are excellent and less expensive alternatives to rosewood. Less expensive guitars - under $1000 - have a plywood back and sides, first of all because it's a cheaper material.
Again, plywood do not have the musical properties of solid hardwood but are stronger, less prone to cracking and relatively inexpensive. Nevertheless, if you can afford it, a well designed and constructed solid wood guitar offers the ultimate tone.

Necks & Fingerboards

Necks can be constructed of mahogany, or cedar. The wood need to be well dried to avoid twisting. On the most expensive model the neck is reinforced with an ebony strip.
Fingerboards are made from dense hardwoods such as ebony or rosewood.
Ebony is preferred due to its durability and stiffness but is a more expensive material.
Rosewood fingerboards are the norm in mid-priced instruments.

Next step in your choice - What kind of sound you want?
Read the article:
- Spruce or Cedar?

Buy Classical Guitars.com

Spruce or Cedar?

2009-12-16T04:27:00.001-08:00

A lot of folks are inconditionally love Spruce, others just live by the Cedar...
Where is the truth?

It actually really depends what you are looking for... and you have different qualities of Spruce and Cedar used to build guitars. All with different characteristics.
Let's a take a look.

Spruce (Spruce Top guitar)

Its high stiffness combined with the lightweight characteristics of most softwoods, makes it a natural for high velocity of sound.
A strong fundamental-to-overtone ratio gives Sitka spruce a powerful direct tone capable of retaining its clarity when played forcefully.

Sitka Spruce from North West Canada and Alaska -Its high stiffness combined with the lightweight characteristics of most softwoods, makes it a natural for high velocity of sound.

Red spruce is relatively heavy, has a high velocity of sound, and the highest stiffness across and along the grain of all the top woods.

Like Sitka, is has a strong fundamental, but also a more complex overtone content.

Engelmann Spruce from North America is prized for its similarity in color to European (German) White spruce as well as its extreme lightness in weight which seems to produce a slightly louder and more projective or “open” sound than Sitka spruce.

Cedar (Cedar Top guitar)

Western Red Cedar from Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the United States.It has long been used as a soundboard material by classical guitar makers for its vibrance and clarity of sound.

It’s extremely light weight compared to spruce, and the tonal result is a slightly warmer tone, more open response.

An interesting characteristic of Red Cedar is that it sounds broken in, even when it’s new.

Cedar looks a lot like redwood:

darker and reddish compared to spruce.

Since World War II, cedar has been used extensively by makers of classical guitars. Cedar-topped guitars are characteristically lush, dark-toned, and bursting with flavor. They are often less powerful in projection than their spruce cousins, however, and they tend to lose clarity near the top of their dynamic range. Having enough bottom end is never a problem for a cedar guitar, although preventing the sound from getting muddy sometimes is. Because of its pronounced weakness along the grain, I find cedar to be used to its best advantage in smaller-bodied guitars or with non-scalloped braces. Redwood is usually darker in color than cedar and often displays the same general tonal characteristics, leaning slightly toward darker tones, less definition in the bass, and lower velocity of sound.

http://www.buy-classical-guitars.com/

Alhambra 5P cw E2

2009-11-23T06:14:00.000-08:00

The Alhambra’s best-selling, mid-range, cutaway classical guitar.
Steel string and electric guitarists who are thinking of purchasing a nylon string guitar they can find in these new models a guitar that allows better playability.
This guitar has narrower neck, the characteristics are close to steel string guitars, which allows you to easily enjoy the colorful warmth of nylon strings and play any styles on it:

Classical
Jazz
Country
Rock
Blues

All the models have been handcrafted with solid woods, Cedar for the top and Indian Rosewood for the back and sides.
A beautiful and high quality Ebony for fingerboard!
Crafted with great skill, the Alhambra 5P cw E2 is a beautiful instrument that pleases the eye as well as the ear and fingertips.
The sound can best be described as clear, well-balanced with great dynamics.
Bright and pleasing trebles harmonize with solid and full basses.
This awsome guitar only ask to please your eyes, ears and fingertips.The refined Red Cedar Top is married to Rosewood back and side for a rich tone couple to a comfortable action. You’re not likely to find a better value at this price. It’s the perfect intermediate level instrument.

Top: Solid Western Red Cedar
Back/Sides: Laminated Indian Rosewood
Neck: Cedar
Fingerboard: Ebony
Side dots: at 3, 5, 7 & 9th frets
Tuners: Gold Plated
String lenght: 650mmWidth: 50mm
Electronic: Fishman Prefix ProBlend

Naudo, the unbelievable guitarist of our time, plays on Alhambra 5P cw E2.
“I choose this guitar due to my previous positive experience with Alhambra, but also because it sounded fantastic when I tried it.”

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Luthier India

2009-11-19T03:40:00.000-08:00

The Alhambra Luthier India is a beautifully guitar crafted by two of the master luthiers at Alhambra, Mengual and Margarit.

The Alhambra Guitar Company of Muro de Alcoy in Spain have built a reputation for crafting high quality nylon string guitars used extensively by students, educators and professional musicians.

The instrument we are highlighting today is the prestigeous ' Luthier India ' concert grade classical guitar which features a Master Grade cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back & sides.

This instrument has a very limited production and represents the finest quality tonewoods and craftsmanship offered by this traditional Spanish company.

This guitar has an amazingly rich and refined tone, clarity, an even response and a lush overall sonority that has a rich layer of overtones on every note!

Listen to the Luthier India [Asturias by Isaac Albeniz] - Free Download [right click to save it]

It has a revolutionary bracing pattern that gives it a really phenomenal sound.
It's fullness, tone quality, craftsmanship, volume, projection, and playability are superb. This guitar is a wonderful example of the fine work of the luthiers at Alhambra.

Features:

Top: Red Canadian Cedar (shown in photo)
Back/Sides: Indian Rosewood

Neck: Spanish Cedar
Fingerboard: Ebony
Tuners: Luxury Gold Plated

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Alhambra 4-P

2009-11-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

Alhambra Guitar 4-P

The Alhambra 4p has a very full-bodied and refined sound.Its tone quality is very nice and similar to much higher-priced guitars.

As with all Alhambra guitars, it is beautifully hand-crafted in Spain with a handmade inlaid wood Rosette. It is the first of the Alhambra line to offer Rosewood Back and Sides, an Ebony Fingerboard, and Gold Plated Tuners.

Features:

Top: Solid Red Cedar– or Solid German Spruce

Back/Sides: Lam. Rosewood

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Tuners: Gold Plated

This is a wonderful instrument for beginners to intermediate players: responsive and robust in tone.

The 4P features all the basics of a great guitar: solid cedar top, rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard, mahogany neck and gold plated heads. Plus, this one is a screamer, i.e., one of the loudest guitars I've played in this price range. 52mm nut and 65cm string length. Made in Spain.

Buy it at Great discount price and free shipping!

Order it now !

Alhambra began handcrafting guitars in a small shop in Muro del Alcoy, Spain, in 1965. As Alhambra's reputation and production grew, they learned to merge modern research and design with traditional Spanish luthier techniques. The result was the creation of instruments of beautiful tone, playability and lasting value. Put an Alhambra in your practice room today!

Direction to Play and Buy Alhambra Guitars

2009-11-04T04:03:00.000-08:00

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Alhambra Guitars' Story

2009-11-04T03:15:00.000-08:00

About Alhambra Guitars

Alhambra 4-P (buy it online)

In the early 60’s a man named Mr. Martínez Clavel who was living in Valencia, was looking from his balcony at the street. There was a big queue of lorries and trucks waiting in front of a guitar factory to pick up instruments. His first thought was that a guitar factory would be a good business.

Then, he thought that just looking for someone able to make a guitar, would be enough to start making money. A friend of him had a brother in law called Mr Ricardo Llorens who was living in a small town called Muro del Alcoy.

Alhambra 5-C cw E2

At that time, Mr Ricardo Llorens was working as an apprentice of mold-maker (crafting a piece of wood that will be used to build a mold) at an important factory of paper. Mr. Martinez Clavel thought that, since Mr Llorens was able to make molds, he should not find problems to handcraft a guitar.Then he purchased a guitar and he went to Muro del Alcoy to explain his project to his brother in law’s friend. There he met Mr. Ricardo Llorens having tapas in a bar and playing card games with friends. Mr. Martinez Clavel showed him the guitar and asked

Would you be able to make one like this?

Encouraged by the presence of his friends he answered without any hesitation that he could do it in just one week. The following week the man from Valencia came back to Muro and there he met again Ricardo Llorens who had not even start the job. Mr. Llorens was embarrassed by such informality and he promised to do it.

Alhambra 1-C (buy it online)

Then, Mr. Ricardo Llorens asked for help from his mold-maker master at the paper factory. That man was Mr. José María Vilaplana Vilaplana.They made a guitar and, pushed by Mr. Martinez Clavel who was able to invest some money, they decided to found “Manufacturas Hachi” Company. It was 1962. Then, they started working in a horse stable which was property of Mr. José Luis Rodriguez (his son, named José Luis Rodriguez as well, was 14 years old at that time and he is still working in Alhambra factory).

They were a team of 8 people. Everyone was working making guitars apart from their main activities. That meant all of them had a different job and they were working making guitars only during their free time after finishing in their daily jobs.

Three years later, in the neighbour city of Alcoy, a man named José Botella was driving around with his car, a Seat 600 (the Spanish brand used by Fiat) when he saw a friend waiting at the bus station. He decided to stop in order to pick up his friend:Where are you going?

He asked. His friend said: “I’m going to Muro del Alcoy to buy a Spanish guitar”

And so off they went to Muro del Alcoy.

They arrived in Muro and, after knocking at the door, a man opened.

The man said they were lucky because maybe one week later the small workshop would be closed.At that time Mr. Martinez Clavel who was the investor had already stopped contributing and left the company, so the only owners were Mr. José María Vilaplana and Mr. Ricardo Llorens.José Botella told his father about this fact when he returned home and they decided to get some additional information about the company.

They wanted to know why Manufacturas Hachi was going to close. When they knew the problems of Manufacturas Hachi were both, financial and commercial problems, they worked together other investors to get the control of the company.

It was 1965 and then the company changed its name. The new name was “Manufacturas Alhambra, S.A.”From that moment Mr. José María Vilaplana and Mr. Ricardo Llorens took only the responsibility of the crafting process and the new shareholders started to manage the company.

The new managers started looking for a director and, after some changes, they finally contracted Mr. Jaime Juliá, who, after finishing his university studies of Engineering and a previous experience in another business field, was looking for a job more in accordance with his university background.

Many of the craftsmen who are still working here had started in Manufacturas Hachi when they were about 14 – 16 years old. Now they are the most experienced people we have and all of them are one of the greatest values of the company.

Buy Alhambra Guitars Online

Alhambra Guitars

2009-11-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

Alhambra Guitars

Enjoy the Passion, Grace and Fire of Alhambra Guitars and discover different models. From beginners to concert-models they are all handmade in Spain in the purest tradition.

Alhambra Guitar 1-C
A mature and elegant guitar with great, full and colorful sound!This guitar is hand made in Spain and has a solid Cedar top!Highest-quality craftsmanship and solid Cedar Top at an affordable price.
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Alhambra Guitar 4-P
The first rosewood guitar from Alhambra & the first with ebony fingerboard and upgraded Dutch tuning machines. The sound of this instrument is clear and bold with excellent volume and quality of tone. Beautiful instrument at a great discount price!
Click to read more
Alhambra Guitar 8-P
The Alhambra 8-P is an all-solid concert-level quality classical guitar with a wonderful richness of tone at a very reasonable price. This guitar, made entirely by hand, features a cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides. It features a bridge-shaped cross bracing pattern to give the top maximum volume and projection.
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Alhambra Guitar 11-P
All solid very high quality woods and with the utmost care by Alhambra’s most experienced team of builders, this Concert Model is entirely made by hand by a special group of luthiers at the Alhambra workshop. It resembles to guitars costing much more. It is beautifully crafted, has a rich and deep tone, has a great projection, and very comfortable to play. The Alhambra 11p is the top of the line of Alhambra before you reach “Luthier” Series.
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Alhambra Luthier India Concert Classical Guitar
The Alhambra Luthier India is a beautifully crafted the two master luthiers at Alhambra, Javier Mengual and Jose Margarit.It’s fullness, tone quality, craftsmanship, volume, projection, and playability are superb. This guitar is a wonderful example of the fine work of the luthiers at Alhambra.It features an advanced bracing system that gives it unparalleled depth and projection. In the spruce top, it has a warmth very much like cedar but without losing the clarity and projection of spruce.
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Alhambra Guitar 4-P

2009-11-03T02:39:00.000-08:00

The first rosewood guitar from Alhambra & the first with ebony fingerboard and upgraded Dutch tuning machines. The sound of this instrument is clear and bold with excellent volume and quality of tone. Beautiful instrument at a great discount price!

The 4p has a very full-bodied and refined sound.Its tone quality is very nice and similar to much higher-priced guitars.As with all Alhambra guitars, it is beautifully hand-crafted in Spain with a handmade inlaid wood Rosette. It is the first of the Alhambra line to offer Rosewood Back and Sides, an Ebony Fingerboard, and Gold Plated Tuners.

Features:
Top: Solid Red Cedar-- or Solid German Spruce
Back/Sides: Lam. Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Tuners: Gold Plated
Buy Alhambra Guitars Online at Great Discount and Free Shipping!

Alhambra Guitar 1-C

2009-11-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Alhambra 1c is an excellent choice for the beginning classical guitar player who wants to take things seriously.This guitar is hand made in Spain and has a solid Cedar top!This guitar is unbeatable in its price range.

The more you play it, the better it sounds. Like a good wine, solid tops age and become better. Which means:The incredible sound you get out of it will even be better… better than good !Right out of the box this guitar surprises you with its perfect finish, beautiful woods and light weight. “Savoir faire” and quality are the first words coming up to your mind.

As you play it for the first time, you now enjoy a guitar with great volume and clarity, and a much larger range of tonal possiblities.Only move your right hand a tiny bit… the tone is different! You realize it offers so many possibilities for new interpretations.From the sweetest tone to “Flamenco like” now you can expand your palette of expression.

Features:Top: Solid Red Cedar
Back/Sides: Lam. Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Tuners: Nickel Plated

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