Manuel Adalid – 2023 Torres No. 5

Description

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 in 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 2023 Manuel Adalid “Torres” guitar is a wonderful instrument that pays homage to the legendary Antonio de Torres guitar in modern times. The guitar features a gorgeous spruce top and striking Indian rosewood back and sides, which lend a sense of elegance and sophistication to the instrument. The spruce top has been finished with French polish, giving it a smooth and lustrous appearance while allowing the wood to vibrate freely and producing a rich, complex tone. Meanwhile, the back and sides have been finished using Nitrocellulose, a high-quality finish that increases durability without sacrificing tone or resonance. Soundwise, the Manuel Adalid “Torres” guitar captures the essence of early 20th-century Spanish guitar characteristics with its singing and artistic quality. The guitar has a warm and balanced tone with excellent projection and sustain, making it an ideal instrument for classical guitarists looking to capture the traditional Spanish sound. Beyond its exceptional sound and beautiful design, the Manuel Adalid “Torres” guitar is also an excellent value. It offers many great features beyond its price point, making it an accessible option for guitarists at all levels. Overall, this guitar is a testament to the skill and artistry of its maker and a beautiful tribute to the legacy of Antonio de Torres.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.