| Custom Series | Testimonials | Bellucci guitars GALLERY |  |
| 92 years
air dried Brazilian rosewood B&S, Doble
tapa (Contreras style) Western redcedar
top, Gabon Ebony bindings, radiused fingerboard, armrest, and bridge. 640mm
fret spacing. Embossed leather case included. Marvelous !!! Fabulous sound
!!
I decided to use this Holy Week to present my first Doble tapa (Contreras style). The doble tapa, was developed and introduced by Master Luthier Manuel Contreras the II at the end of the 70s and reached its peak in the 80s. The word "Tapa" in Spanish translates to top in English but it refers to the back of the instrument. Therefore, Contreras doble tapa is actually a "Double back". He also worked on this variation. The idea was picked up by Ramirez and I played a Ramirez doble tapa which incorporated this system. I studied the Doble tapa closely because it is in the hands of my dearest teachers (Sila Godoy). He asked me to go with him when he purchased her in 1984 -I was in Madrid studying with Andres Segovia and Narciso Yepes-. I can proudly say that we finally came up with a guitar that totally eclipses the Ramirez and I am sure would make Contreras tremendously proud. The second cedar top is halfway between top 1 and the back. It unites to the first top through transversal struts and the sides. The vibration starts on this top a fraction of a second later than on the first top and the result is a fabulous sustain and a tremendous punch. Fast reaction to the player's plucking and great palette of colors. My son, who is always near me when I make the videos, was struck by the power and beauty of sound that she produced as I was playing Romance. I loved the way she responds and the system is a TOTAL WINNING one. The only drawback from a builder's point of view is the tremendous amount of time it takes to build a single instrument. Still, I make a point in offering her at a down to Earth price to allow as many players as possible to consider purchasing her. The Back and sides are originally from Belo Horizonte (Brazil) and the tap tone as well as the resulting sound are simply FABULOUS. I added every possible Bellucci artistic detail in the construction and you will find art at every glance. I did not mount the violin tie nor the soundport to make her likable to as many players as possible but I recommend you install both because they enhance the sound geometrically. |
Radiused or flat fingerboard?
The hand embossed leather case
is a work of art on its own right. Built by one of a handful of very talented
leather embossers in Latin America.
640mm or 650 mm?
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PICTURES AND VIDEO
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