1968 Manuel de la Chica SP/CSAR

Like Santos and Barbero, Manuel de la Chica was at home building both classical and flamenco guitars, indeed his finer instruments have the flexibility of being played by either style. This is such an instrument, and it has a lyrical, singing quality to it yet at the same time can bite if pushed. It is very light in weight, and has piercing volume. It's in extraordinary condition for its age - no cracks anywhere, the condition is completely original. Although a longer scale instrument, playability is a breeze, as is the norm for this maker, and also thanks to a recent re-fret and fresh setup by Yuris Zeltins. This is an exceptional instrument in every regard from this great builder.

Manuel de la Chica is arguably the greatest guitar builder from Granada to date. He was born in 1911, and his early professional background was in cabinet making, as is the case for countless other fine guitar makers. His focus shifted to guitar making in the late 1930s when he had seen and become attracted to the Spanish guitar, primarily those of Santos Hernandez. Often his instruments are compared to the later guitars of Marcelo Barbero (who assisted in the construction of several Santos guitars left partially built at the time of his death) which we feel is a very strong and fair comparison. In 1973 he was forced into early retirement from guitar making due to health complications he was experiencing from inhaling dust and chemicals in his taller.