Current inventory /  Special offers / Guitars wanted / Links / Articles  /MP3 sound gallery   Terms / Order

 Home   Who we are / Testimonials / FAQ / Guitar makers / Manufacturers / Special services

Pedro Maldonado

Pedro Maldonado with sons Pedro and Luis

Concertista and Andalucia 1a Concert Models

As the dollar falls against the Euro, the prices of the highest quality handmade concert guitars from Spain has risen sharply -- pushing them beyond the reach of most players.

 I took the problem of building a true luthier made concert quality guitar at an affordable price to the Maldonados.

The challenge I laid down was to build a 1a concert guitar that would have the same quality of sound as their top of the line instruments.

They agreed to make a new set of models exclusively for us. -- the Andalucia flamenco and Concertista classical.

Spanish luthiers: Pedro Maldonado flanked by his son's Pedro (left) and Luis (right).

 

  
How to build affordable 1a concert guitar without sacrificing quality of sound?

The quality of a concert instrument starts with the selection of woods. We decided the Andalucia and Concertista models would be built with same master grade, aged German spruce that they use in their top of the line instruments.

Although no compromises were made in the quality of the craftsmanship, which is simply superb to make these instruments affordable the following measures were taken:

1) The Concertista model has back and sides made of Indian rosewood rather than Brazilian (which these days requires CITES permits anyway). The Andalucia model uses master grade Spanish cypress for the back and sides, but is made with a three piece back-- allowing the use of  narrower, more affordable cuts of wood.

2) Rather than adorn the guitar with luthier's artistic touches: (elaborate mosaic rosettes, marquetry herringbone and multi-line purflings and bindings, carved headstocks, etc) the decoration used on these models are simple but elegant, The guitars are lacquer rather than French polished.

3) Instead of using expensive tuners, these models use more affordable but good quality machines by Gotoh.

 

Concertista Model

Compare

  Pedro Maldonado Concertista Model played by Gonzalo Andrés Molano

Not only is the craftsmanship of the Concertista model guitar superb, but it possess all the qualities one expects in a true concert classical guitar: power, color, and balance, as well as refinement and loveliness of tone.

   Pedro Maldonado 1a Concert Classical played by Gonzalo Andrés Molano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pedro Maldonado working on the Concertista model.

 

 

This rosette is used in both Andalucia and Concertista models

The labels designate the model, and are signed, dated, and numbered.

 

Luis Maldonado sanding  the Andalucia model.

 

 Andalucia Concert Flamenco

Compare

Pedro Maldonado Andalucia Model played by Gaetano

Pedro Maldonado's flamenco guitars are highly esteemed in flamenco circles. They have all the qualities one would expect of a good flamenco guitar: power, burn, snarl, firm crisp basses, brilliant vibrant trebles, but also refinement and loveliness of tone. These qualities have led many leading flamenco artists to  use his guitars, including Vícente Amigo,  Pepe Romero, Manuel Cano, Sergio Lara, Diego Vargas, Strunz and Farah, and many more.
 

2004 Pedro Maldonado Traditional Concert Flamenco played by Gaetano

         

 

 

Pedro Maldonado making the rosette.

 
     

 Both models use this headstock, and Gotoh tuners. 
Luis Maldonado working on the back struts.

 

 

Zavaleta's Home Page

 Article Page

Home /  Current inventory  / Links / Articles / MP3 sound gallery  / Terms / Order

   Who we are / Testimonials / FAQ / Guitar makers / Manufacturers / Special services / Site Contents