From Top: Alhambra A, J and W series
Acoustic guitars, Luthier models

Alhambra are best known for their very Spanish sounding, hand-built classical guitars. However, they also make a stunning range of acoustic steel strung guitars, quite disctinctive in terms of both sound and looks in a world of mostly American-designed acoustic instruments.

The acoustic guitars come in quite a broad spectrum which I will try to describe here.

There are 3 ranges based on body shape and size

• J = Jumbo
• W = Dreadnought
• A = Auditorium (more compact than the jumbo)

All instruments in all ranges have solid soundboards in a choice of German spruce or red cedar.

The ranges are then sub-divided according to the wood used for back and sides (solid woods in all cases) -

• "-1" with Mahogany
• "-2" with Ovengkol ("Guibourtia Ehie")
• "-3" with Indian Rosewood
• "-4" with Curly Maple

However, there is no cedar soundboard option when the back and sides are made from curly maple.

The ranges and their sub-divisions are summarised below using Alhambra's own product coding system -

Alhambra A-Luthier Acoustic steel strung Guitar - cutaway

Then there are various options -

• All instruments are gloss finished as standard but there is in all cases a matt/satin option.
• Cutaway bodies are available on all models
• Left handed versions are available on all models
• Fishman electronics (under saddle pickup, internal condenser microphone, equaliser and other controls) can be fitted to all models , either
• Fishman Prefix Plus, or
• Fishman Premium

In all 3 ranges there is a "Luthier" version - built by the most experienced workers in small teams with specially selected materials and with greater attention to detail and finish. All options are available except for Mahogany and Ovengkol tonewoods.

We have reproduced some independent reviews of Alhambra steel strung guitars -

ACOUSTIC GUITAR May 2007

Guitar World Acoustic (USA) 11/06