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Built in the Manuel Contreras workshop, the 1a Especial model is the top in the line that uses traditional building techniques (single sides and back, unlike the Double Top and 10th Anniversary models). These concert instruments are now constructed by luthier Jose Antonio Lagunar, who had worked for Manuel Sr. until he passed away, and then under Manuel's son, Pablo Contreras, until his passing in 2011. Jose Antonio is now responsible for building all concert guitars bearing the famous Contreras name.
This particular "1a Especial" is constructed with the highest quality materials available (hence the "premium" in the name), including dramatic cocobolo for the back and sides and quarter-sawn Western red cedar for the soundboard. This guitar has a big bold sound that can fill any concert hall and has been used by many performing musicians for ensemble settings including concierto work with orchestra. Playability is excellent due to a very thin, flat back neck and a 20th fret. It has excellent clarity and great warmth, typical of the best guitar makers from the Madrid school since the 1950s.
