Classical Guitars PLUS

flamenco, contemporary nylon string, jazz & acoustic guitars
Prices include mainland UK delivery and VAT

Phone 01363 881174
Open Monday-Friday 9-5:30

The traditional Spanish hand-crafted guitar building method at Alhambra

The traditional Spanish approach to classical guitar building centres around making the neck a structural starting point for the instrument.

This approach means the guitars last: guitars made by Torres ind the 19th century are still being played after more than 150 years.

This tradtional method is typically associated with hand-crafted instruments, depending on the skills of the craftsman-luthier and taking considerably more time than the alternative approach which has the neck and the body as two distinct sub-components.

The benefit however is a a higher guitar of much greater quality.

The pictures below coded red show the construction of a classical guitar and those coded black that of a steel string guitar at Alhambra.

Neck with Spanish heel
Spanish heel. Credit: Alhambra
Gluing the top to the neck
Gluing the top to the neck. Credit: Alhambra Gluing the top to the neck - steel string guitar.
Gluing the sides to the top
Gluing the sides to the top. Credit: Alhambra Gluing the sides to the top - steel string guitar.
The part completed guitar
The sides glued to the top. Credit: Alhambra The sides glued to the top - steel string guitar.
Fitting the back
Fitting the back. Credit: Alhambra Fitting the back - steel string guitar.
Gluing the edges
Gluing the edges. Credit: Alhambra Gluing the edges - steel string guitar.
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Buy over the internet with complete confidence

See our no-quibble returns policy.

Classical Guitars PLUS is a part of a family-run company which has been doing business on the internet since the 1990s. If there is more you want to know or more you think we could do, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Our Customers Write

"Dear Nicholas, Just wanted to let you know that the guitar arrived safe and sound first thing this morning! Thank you for the fanstastic service! Kind regards, Alison" 16/12/2011

"I want to thank you, and whoever else there is to thank in your company for the wonderful service you have. Correspondence with you has always been very swift and pleasant, and in a good sense not at all "business-like". Also extra thanks for the special attention to us lefty players, it's amazing that you and Alhambra went with all the trouble just for one guitar. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Yours sincerely, Patrik Nummi" 16/12/2011

"Hi Nicholas thanks for everything ,one does not usually get such caring business relations. I am happy that the guitar sounds nice and I hope that my son will make the most out of it. Best Massimo" 15/12/2011

"I would also like to thank you for your excellent service and will certainly shop with you again. Merry Christmas! Kind regards Anne Parham" 14/12/2012

"I found your service exemplary. Many thanks, enjoy the festive season, and no reply needed. Yours greatfully, ER" 5/12/2012

"Nick Your range of guitars in second to none and your expertise and advice is invaluable in helping customers make the right purchase for them  Thank you!" Kyle Davies, 4/7/2011

"I thought I should drop you a line just to say thanks, again, for your excellent service. My new guitar arrived, safe and well, and bang on time. It’s a joy to play and easily matches my expectations.  I’ve already recommended you to some of my colleagues. Best wishes," Professor Chris Gane, 23/2/2011

"Hi Nicholas, Just to let you know that the guitar arrived safely and oh I am ever so happy with it ... Last but not least: your customer service is super. All in all, thank you very much" Roberto Cassani, 10/11/2010

"Thanks for your going the extra mile. I will certainly recommend you to all. Best regards" Chris Hayter 19/10/2007

"The guitar arrived safe and well. Looks great sounds great. Thanks for all your help." Ian Harding, Suffolk, 25/9/2006.

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Articles and tips

Have a look at our growing Articles section. Strings and stringing tips. Humidity. Tone Woods. Luthiers. And more...

Delivery Charges and Orders Outside the Mainland UK

Delivery throughout the mainland UK is free as usual. If you are not in the mainland UK, please phone (+44 (0)1363 881174) or email for delivery charges to your location - please tell us what you want to buy as well as your full postal address. Alternatively just place your order using our secure checkout and we will email you with delivery costs - we will not take payment until you reply confirming your order. Orders delivered outside Europe and to the Channel Islands are free of VAT.

18 May 2012