Michael Cadiz - 2026 No. 137
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
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Shipping important note
Important: Additional costs such as import taxes and custom duties may occur when importing goods from the EU into your country.
Delivery times are typically reliable and most instruments arrive within the estimated timeframe.
Should any unexpected delay occur, our team will keep you informed and provide support at every step. For all shipping details and exceptions, please see our Shipping Policy.
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More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Michael Cadiz is an American guitar maker based in Graz, Austria, whose instruments combine the refinement of traditional Spanish guitar making with the acoustic possibilities of modern construction. Born near Baltimore in 1983, he first approached the guitar as a musician, studying with accomplished performers including Michael Nicolella, Jean-Pierre Billet, and Sergio Assad. His interest in instrument making began remarkably early, when he built his first guitar at the age of fifteen alongside Jason Lollar. He later pursued his training in Seattle with Rick Davis and Cat Fox, before studying with the distinguished American luthier Robert Ruck, whose craftsmanship and acoustic philosophy became particularly influential in his development. During his years in Seattle, Cadiz also had the opportunity to examine important historical guitars, deepening his understanding of the relationship between construction, resonance, and musical expression. In 2016, he established his workshop in Graz, where he continues to develop instruments that reconcile the tonal richness and sensitivity of traditional guitars with the projection, clarity, and dynamic possibilities expected of contemporary concert instruments. His work is distinguished by meticulous craftsmanship, elegant aesthetic details, and a particularly thoughtful approach to tonal balance.
About the guitar
This magnificent 2026 lattice braced concert guitar by Michael Cadiz, bearing number 137, demonstrates how modern acoustic performance can coexist with extraordinary tonal refinement. Its carefully selected spruce soundboard and beautifully figured Madagascar rosewood back and sides are complemented by the maker's characteristic decorative elegance and impeccable attention to detail. The lattice construction provides impressive projection and acoustic efficiency, yet the instrument retains a remarkably natural, open tonal character, free from the nasal quality sometimes associated with this type of construction.
Perhaps its most striking quality is the extraordinary balance between registers. Every note emerges with a remarkably consistent presence and intensity, creating an almost pianistic impression in which individual voices remain clearly distinguishable, even within complex musical passages. The separation of tones is exceptional, allowing contrapuntal lines to unfold with transparency while preserving the warmth and richness of the overall sound. The trebles offer a particularly broad palette of colours, responding beautifully to subtle variations in touch and articulation. Equally impressive is the instrument's dynamic freedom. The softest passages can be shaped with remarkable delicacy, while a generous reserve of power allows the sound to expand progressively without losing clarity or control. Rather than imposing a fixed intensity on every note, the guitar gives the player the freedom to determine how each phrase develops, from the most intimate expression to a commanding concert presence. This combination of precision, tonal variety, and expansive dynamic range makes the instrument exceptionally rewarding for musicians seeking both technical performance and expressive flexibility.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars
How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?
Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.
What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?
Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.
Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?
Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.
Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?
Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.
What payment methods and financing options do you offer?
We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.
How do I properly care for my classical guitar?
A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.