Alhambra 5P CW E8 - Cutaway Classical Guitar w/ Fishman Flex M Blend Preamp

The Alhambra 5P CW E8 Cutaway Classical Guitar is a beautiful classical guitar with an internal microphone, undersaddle pickup, onboard EQ, and cutaway. The Alhambra 5P improves upon the 4P by adding an ebony bar embedded in the neck. This bar helps keep the neck straight as it ages and also slightly boosts the sustain. The 5P CW E8 has the great sound of an Alhambra with the ability to amplify. The neck is 2mm less wide than standard, making it a bit easier to play. (Click here to hear the pronunciation of "Alhambra".)

Note: The guitar shown in the first photo has a different preamp installed. The guitar you would receive does have the Flex M Blend, as shown in the second photo. Updated photos showing the Flex M Blend installed in this guitar to be added soon.

Made from great quality woods, Red Cedar for the top and laminated Indian Rosewood for the back and sides, the first thing calling your attention is the light weight. That is the kind of instrument that will ring and vibrate. A beautiful and high quality Ebony is used for the fingerboard. As you turn the guitar you notice that the neck is reinforced with an ebony strip instead of truss rod. Compacter and lighter, it conducts vibrations much better to the body and allows to guitar to fully vibrate from the head to bottom of the body. You really feel it as you strum the first chords.

The Alhambra 5P CW E8 is set up with an action height that is approximately 0.5mm lower than a standard classical guitar's action.

CLICK HERE for the Fishman Flex Blend Electronics User Guide

FEATURES
Top: Solid Red Cedar
Back/Sides: Lam. Indian Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany with Ebony Reinforcement
Fingerboard: Ebony
Preamp: Fishman Flex M Blend
Nut Width: 50mm
Scale Length: 650mm
Fret Markers: On Frets 3, 5, 7, 9 12, 15
Electronics: Fishman Flex M Blend (piezo pickup & internal mic. 9V battery included.)

Made in Spain

Alhambra Deluxe Soft Case Included

Recommended Strings: This guitar comes with D'Addario EXP44 Extra Hard Tension strings installed.  These are not bad strings, but don't allow the guitar to live up to its full potential.  I recommend the following strings for this guitar:

-Geoff Ferdón, owner of XGuitars

Alhambra 5P CW E8 Cutaway Classical Guitar with Fishman Electronics

The Alhambra 5P CW E8 represents a harmonious blend of traditional Spanish craftsmanship and modern features. This cutaway classical guitar combines authentic nylon-string tone with performer-friendly electronics, making it an ideal choice for the gigging musician who appreciates classical guitar sound but needs amplification flexibility.

Spanish Heritage and Craftsmanship

Handcrafted in Spain, the Alhambra 5P CW E8 continues the rich tradition of Spanish guitar making. Each instrument is created with careful attention to detail by skilled luthiers who understand the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. The result is a guitar that honors classical construction methods while embracing modern performance needs.

The solid red cedar top is carefully selected for its warm tonal properties and exceptional responsiveness. This choice of tonewood produces rich, complex overtones with a quick response - ideal for both traditional classical techniques and contemporary playing styles. The rosewood back and sides complement the cedar top, adding depth and projection to the overall sound.

Performer-Friendly Design

The thoughtfully designed cutaway provides comfortable access to the upper frets, allowing players to navigate the entire fingerboard with ease. This feature is particularly valuable for contemporary classical repertoire and fusion styles that demand extended range techniques.

The neck profile offers a comfortable playing experience that accommodates both traditional classical hand positions and modern techniques. The fingerboard is meticulously crafted for smooth, precise playability across all positions, ensuring that technical passages can be executed with confidence.

Premium Fishman E8 Electronics

The integrated Fishman E8 system represents the culmination of decades of acoustic amplification expertise. This sophisticated system captures the guitar's natural sound with remarkable accuracy, providing amplified tone that retains the warmth and nuance of the instrument's acoustic voice.

The onboard preamp offers intuitive controls for volume, bass, mid, and treble adjustments, allowing players to dial in their ideal sound for any performance environment. A built-in tuner provides convenient and accurate tuning on stage, while the phase switch helps combat feedback issues in high-volume settings.

Versatile Sonic Character

The Alhambra 5P CW E8 produces a tone that bridges classical and contemporary worlds. The cedar top delivers the warm, round bass response traditionally associated with classical guitars, while maintaining clarity in the midrange and trebles that cuts through in ensemble settings.

Unplugged, the guitar offers intimate, nuanced expression with excellent dynamic range. When amplified, the Fishman system faithfully reproduces these qualities, allowing the guitar's natural voice to project in performance settings without compromising tonal integrity.

Professional Performance Applications

This instrument excels in diverse musical contexts - from classical recitals to jazz ensembles, flamenco performances to singer-songwriter settings. The combination of traditional tone and modern features makes it particularly suitable for recording sessions where authentic nylon-string sound is required with the convenience of direct recording options.

Many performing artists choose the Alhambra 5P CW E8 for its reliability on stage and versatility across musical genres. Whether performing solo classical pieces, accompanying vocalists, or playing in contemporary ensembles, this guitar delivers consistent, inspiring performance.

Quality Construction Details

The Alhambra 5P CW E8 features traditional Spanish fan bracing that enhances resonance while providing structural stability. This time-tested bracing pattern allows the soundboard to vibrate freely, producing rich harmonics and excellent projection.

Premium appointments include a hand-inlaid rosette, quality tuning machines for precise and stable tuning, and a finish that both protects the instrument and allows the wood to resonate optimally. Every component is selected to contribute to both aesthetic appeal and musical performance.

Care and Maintenance

Like all fine wooden instruments, the Alhambra 5P CW E8 benefits from proper humidity control (ideally 40-60% relative humidity) and regular maintenance. We recommend using a humidifier during dry seasons and storing the guitar in its case when not in use.

The included hardshell case provides excellent protection for transportation and storage, helping to preserve your investment for years of musical enjoyment. Regular cleaning with appropriate products will maintain the guitar's appearance and protect its finish.

A Guitar for the Modern Classical Performer

The Alhambra 5P CW E8 Cutaway Classical Guitar with Fishman Electronics represents a thoughtful evolution of the classical guitar for contemporary musicians. By combining traditional Spanish construction with modern performance features, Alhambra has created an instrument that respects tradition while embracing innovation.

For players seeking authentic classical guitar tone with the versatility to perform in amplified settings, the Alhambra 5P CW E8 offers an inspiring playing experience that adapts to diverse musical contexts while maintaining the soulful expression that draws musicians to nylon-string instruments.