Manuel Adalid - 2023 La Catedral 10 Anniversary Doubletop

Manuel Adalid, a renowned Spanish guitar maker, was born on October 1, 1951. He grew up in a family of guitar makers, with his father, Manuel Adalid Lázaro, as well as Francisco Esteve Calatayud and Antonio Monfort, as his teachers in the craft. After completing his studies Higher Bachelor and Commercial Expert at the University of Valencia, Adalid set up a guitar trading company at 18, quickly becoming one of the most important clients of Francisco Esteve Guitars. He spent summers working as an apprentice at Francisco Esteve’s guitar factory, honing his skills and knowledge in the craft. At 23, Adalid returned to Guitarras Francisco Esteve with a full dedication to the guitar’s construction. During this time, his father and Antonio Monfort continued to mentor him, allowing him to complete his apprenticeship as a guitar maker. When the founding partners of Guitarras Francisco Esteve reached retirement age, they appointed Adalid as manager, recognizing his commercial and technical knowledge. Under his direction since October 1980, the company grew significantly, expanding its workshop area from 2,000 m2 to 6,000 m2 and increasing its employees from 30 to 49. Adalid is also known for his contributions to the field of guitar-making beyond his work at Guitarras Francisco Esteve. He has lectured on the Spanish construction system and new technologies for constructing the classical guitar in countries such as Spain, France, China, Turkey, and Argentina. Adalid’s expertise in the craft has been recognized through his title as a Master Craftsman, granted by the Department of Industry and Commerce of the Generalitat Valenciana with number 193. He is also currently the President of the Association of Musical Instruments (AFIMA). In recent years, Adalid has dedicated himself to researching new technologies for constructing classical guitars, which he considers the most enriching task on a personal level that he currently enjoys. Through his lifelong passion for the craft, Adalid has become a respected figure in the guitar-making world, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

The Manuel Adalid La Catedral 10 Anniversary model stands as a monument of luthiery, encapsulating the pinnacle of Adalid's renowned craftsmanship and innovative design. This guitar's heart beats with a cedar double-top, a feature that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also significantly boosts its acoustic power, allowing for an extraordinary volume that enriches the sound with unparalleled depth and resonance. Complementing this are the exceptional Madagascar rosewood back and sides, further refined by being doubled with cypress—a method that not only enriches the tonal quality but also reinforces the guitar's durability and structural integrity. This thoughtful combination of materials and design innovations results in a guitar that is as robust as it is beautiful, offering a sound that is both lush and expansive.

Beyond its impressive construction, the Manuel Adalid La Catedral 10 Anniversary model shines in terms of playability, thanks to its meticulously shaped neck and carefully engineered fretboard. These features ensure that the guitar feels as good in the hands as it sounds to the ears, providing a seamless and comfortable playing experience for guitarists of any genre. The responsiveness of this instrument to the player's touch is exceptional, allowing for a dynamic range and expressiveness that truly sets it apart. Celebrating a decade of musical artistry, the La Catedral 10 Anniversary model is not just a guitar; it's a testament to Manuel Adalid's commitment to excellence, offering discerning guitarists an instrument that embodies the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.