Description
Alhambra Guitar Premier Pro Madagascar, built by Master Luthier Javier Mengual: beauty, innovation and tradition aimed at the most demanding guitarist. The Premier Pro Madagascar model is a guitar that offers a powerful sound, full of nuances. A comfortable instrument that provides security to the interpreter.
This guitar is a clear example and a result of the success of the investment in research and development that has been carried out by Alhambra Guitars in the last years. One of the results of this firm commitment by Alhambra is this innovative guitar with excellent aesthetics.
Apart from its excellent quality-price ratios, it is important to mention the undeniable beauty of the instrument in which the best quality of wood has been used, including the wonderful Madagascar, which gives character and aesthetic distinction.
HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS AND FINISHES
In addition to the use of solid Madagascar in the back and sides, a high-quality cedar top, a Schaller Grand Tune Classic Hauser machine heads and bone in the saddle and saddle were used to create this instrument.
The finish of the Premier Pro Madagascar model has been made in gloss, using nitrocellulose lacquer varnish for the top. The varnish called Laca nitro (nitrocellulose lacquer) is a finish that offers greater flexibility and therefore, greater capacity of vibration to the top. What contributes directly to the sound of the guitar.
This model also incorporates a twelve-hole bridge. A bridge design where the strings are easier to place, since the double hole makes the string is held by itself.
NEW DESIGN IN THE BRACING
Without any doubt, it is a model with a new and modern spirit that presents a plus for that guitarist who wants to play and enjoy it. Proof of this is the design of its bracing. The layout of the bracing contributes to satisfy the demands of the guitarists of today in terms of sound, but always maintaining the tradition of the Spanish guitar.
THE ART OF BEING ABLE TO SATISFY THE DEMANDS OF THE GUITARIST
When you have this instrument in your hands, the first sensation is security. Security of being able to press a rested stroke note, putting the guitar to the limit and that the result is a clean and quality sound.
A guitar with a reduced level of hardness and a lot of comfort. A guitar that certainly meets the demands of a guitarist who is looking for an instrument focused on the professional of the noble art of the guitar.
Features:
Top: Solid Red Cedar
Back/Sides: Solid Madagascar Rosewood
Tuning Machines: Schaller Grand Tune Classic Hauser (Made in Germany)
Neck: Spanish Cedar with Ebony Reinforcement
Fingerboard: Ebony
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 52mm
Saddle & Nut: Bone (Extra saddle included)
Finish (top): Nitrocellulose Lacquer (gives the top maximum resonance)
Finish (back & sides): Polyurethane (provides improved durability)
Hardshell Case Included
MEASUREMENTS
Upper Bout Width: 11 3/16"
Lower Bout Width: 14 3/4"
Made in Spain
IMPORTANT: This guitar features a 12-hole bridge. This design puts the strings at a higher angle relative to the saddle, allowing a greater transfer of energy into the top of the guitar at the saddle. This gives this guitar extra volume and resonance. It is very important that the strings are tied properly to prevent slipping. For instructions on how to tie the strings, please see the video below:
Recommended Strings: This guitar comes with Royal Classics Sonata Extra Hard Tension strings installed. These are not bad strings, but don't allow the guitar to live up to its full potential. For this guitar, I recommend Savarez Alliance set 540J. These strings provide great volume and resonance. Being Carbon, they are a bit thinner in diameter than nylon strings. The tone is brighter and not as mellow as nylon strings. If you want a softer sound, nylon may suit you better. If you would like to have strings installed other than the ones that come with your guitar, you can add the Strings Installation Service to your order.
-Geoff Ferdón, owner of XGuitars
Alhambra Premier Pro Classical Guitar
The Alhambra Premier Pro Classical Guitar represents the culmination of Spanish guitar-making tradition, offering musicians an instrument that balances exceptional playability with remarkable tonal characteristics. Handcrafted in Spain by skilled luthiers, this model delivers the authentic sound and experience that classical guitarists seek.
Spanish Craftsmanship at Its Finest
Each Alhambra Premier Pro Classical Guitar is carefully constructed in Alhambra's workshop in Muro de Alcoy, Spain, where guitar-making traditions date back generations. The luthiers select premium tonewoods and employ time-honored techniques to create an instrument that responds beautifully to the player's touch.
The solid red cedar top provides warmth and projection, while the solid rosewood back and sides contribute to a rich, complex tonal palette. Every component, from the ebony fingerboard to the hand-carved neck, works in harmony to create an instrument of exceptional quality.
Superior Playability for Advanced Musicians
The Premier Pro model features a comfortable neck profile and precisely set action that allows for hours of playing without fatigue. The fingerboard is meticulously crafted with attention to fret work and string height, ensuring smooth transitions across the entire range.
Players will appreciate the responsive nature of this instrument, which offers excellent dynamic range from delicate pianissimos to powerful fortissimos. The balance across all six strings makes this guitar equally suitable for complex polyphonic works and expressive melodic passages.
Tonal Characteristics
The Alhambra Premier Pro produces a sound that is both powerful and nuanced. The cedar top provides immediate response and warm overtones, while the rosewood back and sides add depth and sustain to the overall sound profile.
Classical guitarists will appreciate the clear separation between voices, making this instrument particularly well-suited for Bach, Villa-Lobos, and other composers whose works demand distinct articulation and tonal clarity.
Professional Setup Standard
Each Alhambra Premier Pro Classical Guitar undergoes a comprehensive professional setup before shipping to ensure optimal playability right out of the case. Our experienced technicians adjust the action, check intonation, and inspect every aspect of the instrument to meet professional standards.
This attention to detail means you'll receive a guitar that's ready for practice, performance, or recording without requiring immediate adjustments.
Ideal for Various Musical Contexts
Whether you're performing solo classical repertoire, accompanying vocalists, or recording in the studio, the Alhambra Premier Pro offers the versatility needed for diverse musical situations. Its balanced projection makes it suitable for both intimate settings and larger venues when amplified.
Students advancing to professional-level instruments, working musicians, and passionate enthusiasts will all find the Premier Pro to be a reliable and inspiring musical companion for years to come.
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Customer Reviews
I received the Javier Mengual guitar 2 days ago. It is absolutely gorgeous. The craftmanship is top notch. The tone is warm, vibrant, clean, and beautiful! Thank you!!!
This review is regarding my recent January 2024 purchase of the Alhambra Premier Pro Madagascar Classical Guitar by Javier Mengual and to show my support for Geoff Ferdón, owner of XGuitars. As a professional musician and instructor with over 30 years experience, and having worked in boutique guitar stores throughout the North Shore, IL area, having the right tools are indispensable.
Geoff was very attentive to my inquiries regarding each of the Alhambra models I was interested in. He informed me of the pros and cons for cutaways vs non-cutaway models, including which model was better for tone and volume, and importantly addressed my specific concerns about pricing, as well as shipping out of state. Needless to say the guitar I chose was affordable and packaged incredibly well and shipping was expeditious.
At first, deciding on which guitar to buy was difficult only because there are so many beautiful guitars on XGuitars, however I’m more than pleased with my guitar of choice. The Alhambra Premier Pro Madagascar model built by master luthier Javier Mengual has exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The artisan showcases his deep commitment in creating instruments with passion, care, and close attention to detail. This guitar is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s quite honestly one of the best sounding guitars I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning.
Although, this model doesn’t include the perks of onboard electronics or a cutaway as is included with other Alhambra “premier” models, the warm and bright tone (solid Madagascar rosewood/solid red cedar), as well as playability are unrivaled. I’m glad that I did my due diligence and extensive research to find what I was searching for in a pro model. This guitar delivers exactly as promised.
Geoff did a full inspection of my instrument. The intonation on the guitar I received is utterly perfect and has no buzz. In addition, I really wanted a guitar with a nitro cellulose lacquer finish, which this model has on the top along with a polyurethane finish on the back and sides. There is a great separation in each of the registers (treble/mid/bass) and has ample volume. This guitar was shipped with the assurance that I would not need to take it to my guitar tech for either an inspection or a set-up.
Thank you Geoff for making this an all around great experience! I’m very happy with my guitar.
It depends how you look at it. I had the unfortunate fortunate happenstance of damaging the soundboard on my entry level classical guitar. Given I'd been looking routinely at XGuitars for a dream machine my unfortunate fortunate mistake was a blessing in disguise. I absolutely love this guitar. It, I know, will be my go to. It sounds as beautiful as it looks. Geoff was the kind of person I like to deal with. He was helpful, cautious with the goods and a terrific communicator. If I live long enough to buy another guitar, or if I feel as though I deserve it, Xguitars will be my shop without a second thought. Thank you Xguitars!
First, I did my research and XGuitars was easily the best online source for Classical Guitars. The website is outstanding, and Geoff clearly has the background and passion for treating the customer right. I knew my price range and I was able to find the perfect guitar for me based on the descriptions, Geoff's personal comments, and reviews from others. I did add a request to my order and didn't ask for a response, but Geoff was quick to call me to let me know he would be able to get my guitar to me prior to Christmas. As for the guitar, it is a giant step up from what I was previously playing. The guitar has a beautiful full sound and is a beauty just to look at! Thanks Geoff!
I have now owned 3 well made Japanese guitars over the past 30 years, and have liked every one, but this Alhambra PREMIERE PRO MADAGASCAR is by far the crème de la crème! Trust me! Buy this guitar, you will not regret it! Its worth well more than its list price.
Its shape, size, feel, sound is top of the line in every way. Comes with excellent tuners, and the "ergo neck" is extremely comfortable; makes barre chords much easier than many guitars I have tried. The workmanship is A++!
Xguitars is the company I always recommend to everyone looking for a guitar, strings, or accessories. Definitely 5 stars!
