Manuel de la Chica 1957
NEW ARRIVAL

For many the guitars of Manuel de la Chica, especially those built in the 50’s and 60’s are the most beautiful sounding guitars ever produced in Granada. A city that is a reference point in the history of traditional guitar making worldwide.
I remember talking to the guitarist Pepe Romero and telling him about the acquisition of this Manuel de la Chica guitar for our Madera collection and he said to me: “Oh, he was a genius! Is this description an exaggeration? Probably not in our opinion. This is one of those hard to find guitars that mixes a very fine execution, a very balanced and beautiful aesthetic, an exceptional playability and one of the most beautiful traditional Spanish sounds ever achieved.
Perhaps if you are a fan of Santos Hernandez you could say that if you want a similar sound and type of guitar Manuel de la Chica could be a very good alternative at a much lower price.
Interestingly because of the similar construction with Santos Hernandez, similar Plantilla, because Manuel de la Chica himself was a great admirer of Santos’ work, and also because Manuel de la Chica’s head design is very similar to Santos’, there have been more than a few instances of fakes of Santos Hernandez guitars being found that were actually guitars made by Manuel de la Chica.
For a long time, this maker was greatly underestimated. In our opinion, he should be considered one of the best guitar makers in the history of the traditional Spanish guitar.
This guitar is an example of the best work of this master and of his best period as a guitar maker. A wood of great quality and beauty, exquisite playability and that Manuel de la Chica sound of great purity and high quality pure sound.
It belonged and ordered to Manuel de la Chica by a local guitarist from the province of Granada who liked to play both flamenco and classical. Therefore it can be considered a perfect guitar to play both classical and flamenco pieces. The action of the guitar is also ready for it.
In terms of conservation it is a guitar that keeps its curves and angles in very good condition. And it has as you can see in the photos a well repaired and stabilized crack under the bridge which does not affect the well-preserved structure, the beautiful sound and good projection that this guitar is capable of producing.
A collector’s guitar that represents the history of traditional guitar building in Spain.

Manuel de la Chica García (1911-1998) He started out as a cabinet-maker. His love of guitar making started with his visits to the workshop run by Pepe ‘el de la Alhambra” on the Granada street Correo Viejo. His experience making furnitures and his innate talent allowed Manuel to pick up the basics quickly and soon he was building guitars in his own workshop in the Plaza la Sillería, where in addition to guitars he also built great variety of other instruments including violins. In fact you can read in his Label “Manuel de la Chica – Constructor de Violines y Guitarras” (Manuel de la Chica – Violins and Guitars maker)