2025 La Cañada "Model 17A" SP/CY

This 2025 La Cañada "Model 17A" is a spruce and cypress classical guitar with an antiqued finish and a 640mm scale, based on Tárrega's 1864 Antonio de Torres FE 17 and designed by Edmund Blöchinger.

Based on Tárrega's 1864 Torres FE 17

The "Model 17A" ("A" for "antiqued" look) is based largely on an 1864 Torres, known as "FE 17" – the earliest of Tárrega's three Torres instruments, which he would play throughout his career. This is a charming, first-epoch style guitar with a slightly more compact body size and shorter scale length. Its smaller size and lightweight build are a bit deceptive at first – but once you pluck the first note, it has a huge sound, very full and robust, with great lyrical charm in the trebles and fat basses, rich in overtones across the entire register.

A Torres FE 17 in Cypress

Although the original guitar has maple back and sides (as does the standard 17A model), Edmund Blöchinger wanted to also offer this model with cypress for the back and sides, a wood which he loves to use for his classical guitars. Actually, when we play these instruments here, we realize just how much the classical guitar world is "missing out" on the greatness of cypress as an outstanding tonewood for the back and sides.

Sound and Playability

The sound of this guitar is exceptionally vibrant and rich, and it retains a deep, dark voice – very old-world Spanish in character – making this an especially great guitar for playing 19th and 20th century Spanish repertoire. In truth it is perfect for virtually any style of music, as it has both great separation and warmth, making it suitable for everything from baroque music to Brazilian jazz. Startlingly easy to play, the comfortable neck shape and fast response make this a true player's guitar.

Note: Stock photos may be used for this model listing. The exact guitar pictured may no longer be available, and may differ slightly from current inventory. Please contact us with any questions.

La Cañada review in "Classical Guitar Magazine" with Marc Teicholz video demonstration

La Cañada: Edmund Blöchinger and Wolfgang Jellinghaus

The La Cañada series of guitars is a collaborative effort between world-renowned master luthier Edmund Blöchinger and his friend, the late Wolfgang Jellinghaus of "Milestones" guitars, which continues to be known for its variety of period-style replica guitars of iconic makers from the 18th and 19th centuries. Over the years, Blöchinger has studied, measured and evaluated several original instruments by Antonio de Torres, Miguel Rodríguez and Domingo Esteso, and he felt it was a great opportunity to take several of his favorite plans to Jellinghaus to create a line of high-quality, but affordable, instruments based on these iconic masterpieces of the past.

Torres, Rodríguez and Esteso Models

The lineup includes two Antonio de Torres models, one Miguel Rodríguez and one Domingo Esteso. The first of the two Torres models is based on a first-epoch Torres (FE 17 – ex Tárrega) and the other on a second-epoch Torres from 1888 (SE 115 – ex Pujol). Their plantillas and structural details are considerably different from one another, and they offer two distinct experiences of playing a contemporary guitar built in two of the great classic, vintage styles. The Rodríguez model is based on Celedonio Romero's 1974 churchdoor guitar, also known as "La Catedral", which is now in the possession of Pepe Romero. The Esteso model is a flamenco blanca, based on the 1934 Esteso from the Russell Cleveland Collection.

Hand-Built in China to Blöchinger's Specifications

Hand-built to Blöchinger's specifications in Jellinghaus' small facility in China, these are small-production, concert-level instruments made with select and beautiful materials and a French polish finish. The Torres and Esteso models are offered with either an "antiqued" look or a "new" look. At this price point, these are a great value for the serious student or concert player on a limited budget.