Manuel Contreras II, 2004

This rare 10th Anniversary model by the late Manuel Contreras II is an extraordinary example of modern Spanish craftsmanship. Built in 2004, this guitar was awarded as a competition prize to GFA winner Marcin Dylla, and it went on to be one of his main instruments for several years. Dylla performed extensively on it, including a concerto performance, making it not only a historically significant piece but also a concert-proven instrument of the highest level.

While Contreras is known for his traditional Spanish sound, this model takes an innovative turn with a hybrid lattice bracing system, a fusion of traditional fan bracing with three asymmetrically placed horizontal bars. The result is a guitar that retains the warmth and depth of a classic Spanish voice while offering enhanced power, projection, and sustain across the entire range.

Watch Marcin Dylla perform on this very guitar: Concierto del Sur and a competition performance.

Specifications

Luthier: Manuel Contreras II
Model: 10th Anniversary
Year: 2004
Top: European Spruce with hybrid lattice bracing
Back & Sides: Madagascar Rosewood (double-backed)
Construction: Hybrid lattice (fan bracing with three asymmetrical horizontal bars)
Neck: Spanish cedar, thin C/D hybrid profile
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Madagascar Rosewood
Scale Length: 650 mm
Tuners: Upgraded, with buffalo horn-style buttons
Provenance: ex. Marcin Dylla (GFA winner); awarded as a competition prize
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
https://ddar.io/guitar-collection
Condition: Excellent structural condition, no cracks or repairs, with minor cosmetic wear

Sound

This guitar’s tone is powerful and lush, with a notable growl in the bass and clarity in the trebles. Its hybrid lattice bracing contributes to a wide dynamic range, allowing for both whisper-quiet passages and full-bodied projection with ease. The sustain is long and even across all strings, while the slightly larger body and heavier build give it a strong physical presence, anchored and secure when seated.

Playability

Playability is enhanced by a low action setup and a neck that strikes a balance between D and C shapes, making it equally accessible for players with varying hand sizes. The raised fingerboard ensures easy access to the upper frets, making it as suitable for virtuosic repertoire as it is for lyrical interpretation.

Construction & Design

The guitar pairs a European spruce top, braced with the hybrid lattice system, with Madagascar rosewood back and sides in a double-backed design. The Spanish cedar neck has a comfortable, thin C/D hybrid profile, the fingerboard is ebony, and the Madagascar rosewood bridge carries a matching tie block detail. At the head is the striking Contreras design with its signature wheat inlay, fitted with upgraded tuners with buffalo horn-style buttons.

This instrument is in excellent structural condition, with no cracks or repairs. Cosmetic wear includes minor top marks and one touched-up string ding, evidence of its long performance history. The back and sides remain in beautiful shape, and the French polish has been well maintained throughout.