Alhambra Acoustic Steel String Guitars

Alhambra A J and W steel strung Luthier models.

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 -

Range		J		W		A
Body Shape		Jumbo		Dreadnought		Auditorium
Soundboards (solid)		Red Cedar	German Spruce	Red Cedar	German Spruce	Red Cedar	German Spruce
Back and Sides (solid)	Mahogany	J-1	J-1 A	W-1	W-1 A	A-1	A-1 A
	Ovengkol	J-2	J-2 A	W-2	W-2 A	A-2	A-2 A
	Indian Rosewood	J-3	J-3 A	W-3	W-3 A	A-3	A-3 A
	Curly Maple	n/a	J-4	n/a	W-4	n/a	A-4
Luthier Version	Back and Sides in Indian Rosewood or Curly Maple	J-Luthier		W-Luthier		A-Luthier
Cutaway	Available on all models	"CW"	"CW"	"CW"	"CW"	"CW"	"CW"
Electronics (under saddle pick up + internal condenser microphone + equaliser + other controls) Available on all models	Fishman Prefix Plus	"E-3"	"E-3"	"E-3"	"E-3"	"E-3"	"E-3"
	Fishman Premium	"E-5"	"E-5"	"E-5"	"E-5"	"E-5"	"E-5"

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

More Articles...

Pay us a visit and choose your guitar in person

We think we are now the UK's largest classical guitar shop with more models and more brands - meaning more choice - than any other in the country.

As well as this unbeatable range of classical models, we also have a very large range of electro/cutaway nylon string, flamenco, and steel string acoustic guitars including an unmatched selection of Maccaferri / Django style jazz guitars.

Please phone before visiting - you will get uninterrupted time in our (admittedly small) studio to try out as many guitars as you like and you will be certain that we have the guitars you want to try in stock.

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.

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.

Classical Guitars PLUS

Alhambra Acoustic Steel String Guitars

Closed because of illness...

On-Line Shop

Pay us a visit and choose your guitar in person

Our Brands

Information

Buy over the internet with complete confidence

Our Customers Write

Articles and tips

Delivery Charges and Orders Outside the Mainland UK