Manuel de la Chica was a renowned luthier from Granada, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most legendary figures in the history of Granada guitar making.
Long before the era of Antonio Marin Montero, Paco Santiago Marin, and others, Manuel de la Chica had already garnered international attention for the exceptional quality of guitars crafted in Granada.
Born in 1911, he began his career as a cabinet maker. In the 1930s, drawn by the intricate construction of the Spanish guitar—particularly the works of Santos Hernandez—he ventured into luthiery. Although he was compelled to take early retirement in 1973 due to health issues related to prolonged exposure to wood dust in his workshop, his guitars continue to be celebrated for their superb sound and masterful craftsmanship.
The guitar featured in the Ivan Guitar Studio collection stands as a testament to the pinnacle of his career. Crafted in 1969, this instrument embodies a unique hybrid character, merging the responsiveness and aggressive attack typical of flamenco guitars with the long sustain and profound tonal depth (with body resonance frequencies at F / F#) characteristic of classical guitars. Despite its remarkable responsiveness and deep body resonance, the guitar maintains flawless tonal balance, free from both wolf notes and weak notes.
The choice of materials is equally exceptional. The back and sides are fashioned from the finest grade of Brazilian rosewood, notable for its tight, straight grain—an increasingly rare find in contemporary times.
Remarkably, despite being crafted in 1969, the condition of this guitar is nearly pristine. Only a few subtle playing marks—a minor scratch on the neck and some fading of the French polish on the back and neck—distinguish it from a brand-new instrument. Otherwise, it remains in truly outstanding, almost untouched condition.
