Born in Madrid in 1926, Contreras  joined the Ramirez workshop as a senior journeyman in 1959. It was Contreras who made the first José Ramirez guitar Andrés Segovia bought in 1960. After three years with Ramirez, Manuel opened his own guitar workshop in the center of Madrid.  He soon earned a reputation as one of the finest and most innovative luthiers in Spain. Contreras died in 1994 of cancer. This guitar is from Contreras best period. It is generally in very good condition, but does have some finish wear including several spots where the finish on the neck has bubbled or flaked off. There is a visible 2.5cm scratch above the bridge, as well as other shorter less obvious scratches on the top, and a couple of dozen finger nail dents from "golpes." There is a general loss of finish below the sound hole. The back and sides are in good condition, showing wear consistent with this guitar's age and active use. The set up is very comfortable, and there is sufficient bone in the saddle to make adjustments should this ever be necessary. This a powerful, concert guitar, with great sustain and separation, each note comes across as distinct. The upper registers do not become plinky and notes remain full and mellow. The intonation is excellent. A new 1a special concert model from Manuel Contreras II would retail for around $8000.