Manuel Contreras II - 1988 - Doubleback Nr.25-A No.12
Manuel Contreras II - 1988 - Doubleback Nr.25-A No.12
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 Gonzalez Contreras (1928-1994) was a Spanish guitar maker who influenced the guitar world in the second half of the 20th century mainly through his craftsmanship, but also through his foresight and ingenuity. Between 1959 and 1962 he worked in the workshop of José Ramirez III before opening his own workshop. His son Pablo Manuel Contreras (1957-2011) later joined him and also became a renowned luthier. The Orfeo magazine No. 3 honours the two of them in an excellent and very detailed article.About the guitar
This extraordinary instrument, crafted by one of the most renowned Spanish luthiers, features a rare and innovative resonador—an outer resonating shell that completely shields the main guitar body from direct contact with the player. This design eliminates any dampening effect caused by the player’s body, allowing the entire interior body to resonate freely, maximizing projection and tonal depth. While resonador models are already considered rare, this particular instrument is even more exceptional due to its integrated cedar armrest, a unique feature that enhances both comfort and playability. The guitar is in very good condition, with just one expertly repaired crack on the lower bout of the cedar soundboard, ensuring full structural integrity. Sonically, this guitar delivers a huge, voluminous sound, yet retains a romantic warmth that is characteristic of the Madrid school of guitar making. Additionally, the presence of beautiful Brazilian rosewood further enhances its value and desirability, making this an exceptional and rare collector’s piece.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.