You'll find the 1973 M.G. Contreras Main Street 80 represents a pinnacle of Spanish guitar craftsmanship, handmade by Manuel Contreras I in Madrid during his workshop's golden era. This flamenco guitar features a spruce top with cypress back and sides, traditional wooden pegs, and a hand-carved soundboard protected by the original clear pickguard. It's maintained exceptional condition over its fifty-year history, with documented provenance from Spain to Australia and only two previous owners. The guitar produces the quintessential flamenco voice with rich bass, crystalline trebles, and immediate response. There's much more to discover about this rare collector's investment piece.
Key Takeaways
- Built in 1973 by Manuel Contreras I in Madrid, representing the golden era of Spanish guitar craftsmanship.
- Features spruce top with cypress back and sides, traditional wooden pegs, and hand-carved soundboard.
- Complete with original M.G. Contreras label and signature, confirming authentic provenance from Spain to Australia.
- Demonstrates exceptional preservation with minimal wear, original pickguard, and maintained frets after fifty years.
- Known for quintessential flamenco voice with rich bass, crystalline trebles, and immediate response characteristics.
Legacy of the Contreras Family
The Contreras guitar-making dynasty stands as one of Spain's most influential contributors to classical and flamenco guitar craftsmanship.
When you explore their guitar heritage, you'll find a remarkable story of crafting passion passed down through generations, beginning with Manuel Contreras I in the mid-20th century.
You'll discover that this musical lineage has shaped the development of Spanish guitar making, with each generation building upon the artisan tradition established by their predecessors.
Manuel Contreras I's dedication to his craft from 1928 to 1994 set the foundation for what would become a celebrated familial skill in guitar making. His son, Manuel Contreras II, continued this legacy from 1958 to 2016, bringing innovative approaches while maintaining the core principles of excellence.
The Contreras family's commitment to quality has earned them recognition worldwide, with their instruments being sought after by professional musicians and collectors alike.
Their workshops have become synonymous with superior craftsmanship, producing guitars that showcase the perfect balance of traditional techniques and modern innovations, ensuring their place in the pantheon of great Spanish luthiers.
Design and Construction Details
Construction hallmarks of this 1973 M.G. Contreras showcase the master luthier's exceptional guitar materials and traditional methods.
You'll find the classic combination of a spruce top paired with cypress back and sides, demonstrating the careful wood selection that's characteristic of Spanish flamenco guitars. The lutherie precision is evident in every detail, from the wooden peg tuners to the clear pickguard that's protected the soundhole from decades of use.
When you examine this instrument closely, you'll notice several distinctive features that highlight Contreras's crafting techniques:
- Traditional wooden peg tuners, authentically representing the era's construction methods
- Premium-grade cypress back and sides, selected for ideal tonal response
- Hand-carved spruce top, delivering exceptional resonance and projection
- Clear protective pickguard, thoughtfully integrated into the design
The guitar's construction reveals meticulous attention to detail, with tight seams and clean joinery throughout.
You'll appreciate how the materials have aged harmoniously over the past five decades, creating an instrument that's both visually striking and tonally mature. The minimal wear on the body and frets testifies to both the quality of construction and careful maintenance throughout its lifetime.
Provenance and Previous Ownership
Documented history of this Contreras guitar spans back to 1973, when its first owner purchased it directly from Spain and brought it to Australia.
This historical ownership marks the beginning of the instrument's musical migration from its birthplace in Madrid to its new home in the Southern Hemisphere.
The guitar's family lineage ties directly to Manuel Contreras I, whose signature graces the label inside the sound hole, connecting it to one of Spain's most respected guitar-making dynasties.
The collector's journey of this instrument has been remarkably stable, with only two careful owners throughout its lifetime.
The guitar transfer to its current owner occurred in Perth in 1990, representing a significant moment in the instrument's provenance.
You'll find it remarkable that such a prestigious instrument has maintained such a clear and documented chain of ownership.
While many vintage guitars from this era have passed through numerous hands, this Contreras has benefited from long-term, dedicated ownership, contributing to its exceptional preservation and historical significance in the world of classical guitars.
Physical Condition Assessment
Remarkably well-preserved for its fifty years, this Contreras guitar displays minimal signs of wear across its cypress body and frets.
You'll notice the instrument's patina has developed beautifully, adding character without compromising its aesthetic preservation. The structural integrity remains exceptional, proof to both the original craftsmanship and careful maintenance by its previous owners.
The guitar's overall condition reflects its prestigious heritage, with only minor surface marks to note:
- A small mark near the sound-hole on the top-treble side, which doesn't affect performance
- Original clear pickguard intact, having successfully protected against strumming wear
- Frets showing remarkably little guitar wear, maintaining their original playing quality
- Cypress back and sides in excellent condition, with no significant damages or repairs
You'll find the wooden peg tuners are still true to their original form, functioning smoothly after five decades of use.
The original hard-shell case, while showing expected age-related wear, continues to provide adequate protection for this vintage instrument. The M.G. Contreras signature remains clearly visible on the internal label, contributing to the guitar's exceptional state of preservation.
Distinctive Features and Specifications
Beyond its pristine condition, this 1973 M.G. Contreras stands as a proof to the masterful instrument craftsmanship of Manuel Contreras I, who crafted this exceptional piece in his Madrid workshop.
You'll find the guitar's origins reflected in its traditional Spanish construction techniques, featuring wooden peg tuners that were characteristic of the era.
The wood selection showcases the builder's expertise, combining a resonant spruce top with cypress back and sides - a classic combination that's essential for authentic flamenco sound.
You'll notice the clear pickguard, which has protected the top while allowing the wood's natural beauty to shine through. The instrument's tonal characteristics are quintessentially flamenco, delivering powerful projection with rich bass response and brilliant trebles.
What sets this guitar apart is M.G. Contreras' personal signature on the interior label, verifying its authenticity and heritage.
The instrument exemplifies the "Madrid School" of Lutherie, with its balanced proportions and meticulous attention to detail. Every element, from the carefully selected tonewoods to the precise bracing pattern, contributes to its exceptional voice and playability.
Sound Quality and Performance
This 1973 Contreras masterpiece produces the quintessential flamenco voice that players seek.
You'll immediately notice its exceptional tonal dynamics, which combine rich bass notes with crystalline trebles that soar above the mix. The guitar's musical responsiveness allows for intricate stringed nuance, making it perfect for both delicate passages and powerful strumming techniques.
When you explore this instrument's acoustic depth, you'll discover why vintage Contreras guitars are so highly regarded. The percussive resonance creates that authentic Spanish flamenco character, while maintaining clarity across the entire frequency spectrum.
You'll find that each note rings true, whether you're performing fast runs or sustained chords.
- Immediate attack response that's ideal for traditional flamenco techniques
- Balanced projection across all strings, with exceptional note separation
- Superior sustain that doesn't compromise the characteristic flamenco snap
- Natural compression that keeps the sound focused even during aggressive playing
The guitar's voice has matured beautifully over its 50-year lifespan, delivering the kind of depth and character that you can only find in well-preserved vintage instruments of this calibre.
Historical Significance and Value
Within the domain of classical guitar craftsmanship, the 1973 M.G. Contreras represents a pinnacle of musical craftsmanship from one of Spain's most respected guitar-making families.
You'll find that this particular instrument, crafted during Manuel Contreras I's most productive period, embodies the rich guitar heritage of the Madrid School.
The guitar's cultural significance stems from its connection to the artisan traditions of Spanish lutherie, particularly through its cypress back and sides, and traditional wooden peg tuners.
What makes this instrument especially valuable is its remarkable provenance - having only two careful owners since 1973, and bearing M.G. Contreras' signature on the original label.
You're looking at a piece of instrument evolution that bridges classical Spanish guitar-making techniques with modern refinements.
The guitar's exceptional preservation adds substantial value to its historical worth.
With minimal wear and its original case intact, you're not just acquiring a musical instrument - you're investing in a tangible piece of Spanish guitar-making history that showcases the Contreras family's dedication to their craft during a defining era of flamenco guitar construction.
Original Case and Accessories
Accompanying this vintage Contreras guitar comes its original hard-shell case, which has protected the instrument since 1973.
The case's storage quality has remained remarkably intact throughout its carrying history, serving as proof to the craftsmanship of both the guitar and its protective housing. You'll find that this vintage case has maintained its structural integrity, continuing to provide excellent guitar protection for this exceptional instrument.
The original packaging includes several notable features that have contributed to the guitar's preservation:
- Heavy-duty latches and hinges that have stood the test of time, ensuring secure closure
- Period-correct plush interior lining that cradles the instrument and prevents unwanted movement
- Reinforced corners that have protected the case from typical wear and impact damage
- Original handle that remains sturdy and reliable for transportation
When you examine the case closely, you'll notice that it bears the subtle marks of its journey from Spain to Australia, yet retains its fundamental protective qualities.
This original case isn't just a practical accessory - it's an integral part of the guitar's story, having sheltered this remarkable instrument through decades of ownership and travel.
You can buy M.G. Contreras Main Street 80 - Spain 1973 Acoustic Guitar from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Current Market Value of This 1973 Contreras Guitar?
You'll find this vintage guitar's value between $8,000-12,000, based on collector insights, market trends, and historical significance. Its pristine condition and documented provenance substantially impact guitar valuation.
Can the Wooden Pegs Be Replaced With Modern Tuners?
Like a heart transplant, peg replacement must be done carefully. You can swap wooden pegs for modern tuning mechanics, but you'll need expert vintage adaptation skills to guarantee wood compatibility during custom modifications.
How Often Should This Vintage Guitar Be Professionally Serviced?
You'll want your vintage guitar serviced annually, with additional seasonal adjustments as needed. A professional luthier should check humidity levels, frets, action, and structural integrity to guarantee proper preservation.
Is This Guitar Suitable for Beginner Flamenco Players?
Listen carefully: While this vintage masterpiece offers outstanding acoustic resonance, you'd face significant technique challenges as a beginner. Consider starting with a more affordable guitar during your flamenco learning curve.
Does Humidity Affect the Cypress Wood More Than Other Guitar Materials?
You'll find that cypress shows high wood moisture sensitivity compared to other tonewoods. Its grain expansion reacts strongly to humidity effects, though its structural resilience helps maintain stability over time.
Conclusion
You'll find that this 1973 M.G. Contreras Calle Mayor 80 stands head and shoulders above typical vintage guitars. With its impeccable cypress construction, original wooden pegs, and pristine condition, it's worth its weight in gold for serious collectors and musicians. As you explore this masterpiece's rich heritage and exceptional sound quality, you're holding not just a guitar, but a piece of Spanish lutherie history.
