Manuel De La Chica Flamenco Blanca 1971

Manuel de la Chica is considered one of the most important guitar makers from Granada of the twentieth century. The self-taught builder developed his style through a deep study of the instruments of Santos Hernández and later also worked in the workshop of Pepe de la Alhambra. His guitars are known for their traditional Granadian character, featuring a direct response, warm tone, and strong projection that is beloved by both flamenco and classical guitarists.

De la Chica built relatively few instruments, partly because he was forced to stop in 1973 due to health problems caused by wood dust and chemicals. Precisely because of this, his guitars are rare today and highly sought after by collectors and players. His best instruments combine an elegant, austere construction style with a distinct musical voice, often characterized by powerful basses, clear trebles, and a typical Spanish woody attack.

This Manuel de la Chica Flamenco Blanca from 1971 is a beautiful example of the traditional Granadian flamenco craftsmanship for which the master builder is known. With a spruce top and a cypress body, this guitar delivers exactly the direct, dry, and explosive character that a good blanca is all about. Lightweight, lightning-fast in response, and with a raw flamenco attack that cuts effortlessly through an ensemble, yet simultaneously surprisingly sensitive when approached more subtly.

The combination of spruce and cypress creates a clear, percussive sound with powerful projection and that typical woody “bark” so strongly associated with traditional flamenco. Despite the longer scale length, the playability remains remarkably smooth, something Manuel de la Chica guitars are known for. Instruments from this period are now regarded as some of the finest examples of the mid-century Spanish flamenco tradition, possessing an openness and liveliness that only well-played-in vintage guitars can have. 

The guitar has a repaired crack on the top near the soundhole on the bass side of the fretboard, and there is a small crack on the lower bout on the treble side that is still open. A long crack has been repaired on the side of the body on the lower bout on the treble side. Furthermore, the guitar has multiple signs of wear and dings on the top, body, and neck.

Comes with TFOA passport in a case.