Manuel Adalid - 2025 - La Catedral 10 Anniv.
Manuel Adalid - 2025 - La Catedral 10 Anniv.
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
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.About the guitar
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.Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.