Handmade Spanish Craftsmanship
An entry-level classical guitar with handcrafted Spanish construction, the 1 OP is a stunning example of Alhambra’s uncompromising dedication to quality and authenticity across their entire product range. Despite this instrument’s modest price point, the 1 OP comes equipped with a host of premium-level features, not least of which is a solid cedar top that provides exceptional tonal warmth and a touch-sensitive response. To pair with the richness of the top, mahogany back and sides are utilized for a crisp, clear attack, all adding up to a beautiful note-to-note balance across the entire fingerboard. What’s more, the 1 OP’s rosewood-on-mahogany neck is attached to the body using a traditional Spanish heel method, offering superior tone and stability. A beginner guitar with features fit for the professional, the Alhambra 1 OP is a superb choice for the musician looking to dive into the world of classical guitar.
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Dynamic solid cedar top
Since it was first adopted in the mid-20th century, cedar has become the de-facto standard top wood for classical guitars for its warmth and tonal complexity. It’s a perfect choice for straight-ahead classical players, but cedar’s ability to bloom and resonate with even the slightest pluck also makes it an excellent tonewood for crossover jazz players, Latin music, or even steel-string guitarists looking to add a new sound to their tonal palette. What’s more, the 1 OP’s top is constructed from solid cedar — which is far more resonant than a laminate top, with a depth and beauty that will only continue to improve as the guitar ages.
Superb build quality
From their student models to their world-class performance instruments, each and every Alhambra guitar is crafted in Spain utilizing traditional building techniques to deliver the highest quality of sound possible. The 1 OP is no exception, boasting an authentic Spanish heel neck joint that provides superior sound, durability, and neck stability. In addition, the 1 OP’s mahogany sides produce a clear, ringing tone with a crisp attack and balanced response, perfectly complementing the solid cedar top and resulting in an instrument equally fit for both gentle fingerstyle and lively flamenco.
Alhambra: top-shelf tradition since 1965
The construction of each Alhambra instrument starts with the selection of top-shelf raw materials and ends with a commitment to quality and reliability. Between these two important bookends lies a process of dedicated craftsmanship with the specialty of over 110 skilled luthiers, ensuring every instrument is made of the utmost performance and comfort. With over 55 years of experience, Alhambra has continued to embrace the same traditional building practices while incorporating the efficiency of modern methods, equating to a more durable take on authentic sound. At Sweetwater, our staunchest acoustic performers and classical fingerstylists rest easy knowing every Alhambra guitar is designed and built with the same love and care that traditional instruments require.
Alhambra 1 OP Nylon-string Classical Guitar Features:
- Solid cedar top delivers a rich, lush tone with exceptional touch-sensitivity
- Mahogany back and sides impart a crisp, bright edge to your notes, with a present midrange and round bass response
- Mahogany neck attached with Spanish heel construction for superior tone and stability
- Sleek Indian rosewood fingerboard
- Open pore finish allows the guitar’s tonewoods to resonate to their fullest potential
- Crafted in Spain using traditional methods