Manuel Adalid - "Tradicional" 2024

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 Manuel Adalid "Tradicional CD" features a fan-braced cedar top with a tight, uniform grain that is elegantly adorned by an intricate rosette and matching purflings. The back and sides are made of beautifully patterned Cocobolo rosewood, which works together with the top to produce a rich "smiley" tone with great sustain. The neck is reinforced with a hollow carbon fiber rod that negates any possibility of bending of the neck and contributes to the sustain qualities of the instrument.
The Tradicional CD offers a great blend of deep and defined basses and bright trebles, which infuse the atmosphere with a rich and slightly punchy tone that the player can mold with little effort. The guitar offers endless possibilities for the player to create contrasting colors from soft bell-like tones, to direct and bright tones with a fast attack.

Beyond its impressive construction and tonal qualities, the Manuel Adalid Tradicional CD model shines in terms of playability, thanks to its meticulously shaped neck and narrower fretboard. These features ensure that the guitar feels as good in the hands as it sounds to the ears, providing a seamless and comfortable playing experience for guitarists of any genre. The instrument's responsiveness to the player’s touch is exceptional, allowing for a dynamic range and expressiveness that will cater to the needs of the most demanding players.