Manuel Velazquez, 1976

This 1976 Manuel Velazquez is a beautiful example from one of the great American makers of the 20th century. Built with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, it comes from a particularly desirable period in Velazquez’s work, when his guitars often had a slightly fuller body shape and a powerful, mature concert voice.

Velazquez guitars are often admired for their clarity, balance, and directness. This guitar has that classic old-world character: a focused spruce sound, strong separation between voices, and a warm, woody quality that makes these instruments so satisfying both under the ear and in a room.

Specs

Maker: Manuel Velazquez
Year: 1976
Top: Spruce
Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 54mm
Condition: Used, with cosmetic wear throughout
Notes: Wear here and there on the soundboard. Overall excellent condition.
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF, carbon G and B, with the first string replaced by a high tension Pro Arte nylon 1st string
String Link: https://ddar.io/guitar-collection

Sound

The sound is clear, open, and beautifully balanced, with the kind of singing treble response and firm basses that players often associate with Velazquez’s best work. There is a strong Hauser-inspired quality here, but with Velazquez’s own personality: lyrical, direct, and full of character.

The mid-1970s Velazquez guitars are known for having a bigger and more robust voice than some of the earlier, more compact examples. This guitar fits that description well, offering a mature vintage sound with enough power and presence for serious performance use.

Playability

With a 650mm scale and 54mm nut width, this guitar has very familiar concert dimensions. The neck feels comfortable and traditional, and the instrument has the inviting response that makes a great vintage guitar so rewarding to play.

Aesthetics & Craftsmanship

This guitar features a classic spruce top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides. The look is elegant and understated, very much in keeping with Velazquez’s traditional aesthetic.

Condition-wise, the guitar shows wear here and there, as expected for an instrument from 1976. It appears that the guitar was refinished at some point in its history. These cosmetic details are worth noting, but they do not take away from the beauty of the instrument, nor the musical quality and historical interest of this guitar.

Closing Thoughts

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a vintage Manuel Velazquez from a particularly strong period in his career. It has the clarity, balance, and woody old-world character that make Velazquez guitars so respected, along with the fuller voice associated with his mid-1970s instruments.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com