HEAR THIS DOBLE TAPA+lattice CUTAWAY MASTERWORK

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".

The lattice is a concept based on the A frame of grand pianos. The back and sides are kept rigid by means of a sturdy A shaped frame and the top is thinned as much as possible to allow the top to vibrate generously. As you see from the picture above, the thinned area is approximately 1.2 mm thick (VS 2-2.5 in the standard thinning techniques). Lattice delivers a lot of volume (approximately 21 dbs more) and wonderfully clear trebles.

Radiused or flat fingerboard?
The radiused fingerboard has been around the acoustic and the electric guitar since day one. The same is true for most instruments of the Stringed family of instruments (violas, violins cellos, upright bass). Radiusing makes barre and left hand stopping A LOT easier. The only drawback is that you will NEVER want to play a  flat fingerboard after that. If you are having your custom guitar built, I am all pro radiusing the fingerboard. The adaptation to the radius is immediate. 

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. Its built following my specifications for the interior to fit Bellucci guitars like a glove. All Plush interior, key and accessories compartment.

640mm or 650 mm?
Regarding 650mm or 640 mm fingerboard fret spacing, keep the following rule at hand: If the distance between the tip of your thumb and the tip of your little finger is equal or less than 9 in when fully stretched, use 640 mm. Adapting from one scale to the other takes no adaptation. Impossible left hand fingers stretches become possible immediately.
 

Mr. Bellucci, My new guitar is a real treasure to me.   As I was playing my new Bellucci I realized that compared to my first guitar, it is like holding a real baby instead of a plastic doll.  Thanks so much. Deborah, April 14, 2009, NC, USA

HEAR THIS Brazilian rosewood B&S, Spruce top DOBLE TAPA
A fabulous 93 years old set of Brazilian rosewood from Bahia (Brazil) started the project that blossomed in this FABULOUS guitar. The gorgeous set has a reddish tone that inspired me in using a red roses rosette and luxury marquetry made with African Padauk, Maple and Rosewood. The Alpine spruce top adds the power you'd expect from a DOBLE TAPA and the lattice bracing the clarity that made this type of construction famous. During the recording of Barrios' Una limosna I was stunned by the powerful and clear basses that marked the ostinato against the majestically singing trebles. The player feels as though her sound production capabilities are endless. The action is set to where the player feels comfortable and the 640mm radiused neck (1/16 radius) is comfortable to the point where you NEVER feel like your left hand is being stressed.
Her beauty is hard to surpass and you'll find yourself gazing at her beauty many times.

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". 

Radiused or flat fingerboard?
The radiused fingerboard has been around the acoustic and the electric guitar since day one. The same is true for most instruments of the Stringed family of instruments (violas, violins cellos, upright bass). Radiusing makes barre and left hand stopping A LOT easier. The only drawback is that you will NEVER want to play a  flat fingerboard after that. If you are having your custom guitar built, I am all pro radiusing the fingerboard. The adaptation to the radius is immediate. 

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. Its built following my specifications for the interior to fit Bellucci guitars like a glove. All Plush interior, key and accessories compartment.

640mm or 650 mm?
Regarding 650mm or 640 mm fingerboard fret spacing, keep the following rule at hand: If the distance between the tip of your thumb and the tip of your little finger is equal or less than 9 in when fully stretched, use 640 mm. Adapting from one scale to the other takes no adaptation. Impossible left hand fingers stretches become possible immediately.
 

Greeting Renato; I received my guitar safe and sound. It is absolutely fabulous. It is the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen. The tone is marvelous. The base tones are simply unbelievable. Every detail was attended to. Give my congratulations to all who worked on the guitar. Your talent and craftsmanship have given my family a treasure that will be enjoyed for decades.  You are so right about the arc fretboard. It is so much easier to play. I no longer want to play my old classical. The ease of play has made me a better guitarist.  I hope to come to paraguay in the future. I would love to see your artistry in person. I have been to Asuncion on humanitarian trips and would love to see it again.  Thanks again. Paul Milligan, TX, USA, June 5, 2009

   HEAR THIS Doble tapa + lattice MASTERPIECE

The power and beauty of sound that you will hear when you play on this lattice braced Cedar top DOBLE TAPA is simply put ASTONISHING ! Asturias shine with  a presence seldom seen. The bass line seems to have  a life of its own and a myriad harmonics are produced each time the thumb attacks the 6th, 5th and 4th strings. These are contrasted by a shining second and the fast arpeggiated section is brought to a whole new lever thanks to the magnificent 1st. 
A gorgeous figured set of striped chocolate brown Brazilian rosewood from near Rio de Janeiro is partially responsible for the miracle. A second top made with a consecutive cut adds rigidity to the already great sounding back. The doble tapa s then complemented PERFECTLY by the lattice braced cedar top and the resulting instrument is an EPIC one to say the least.
A swift and agile 640mm radiused action will make playing natural and stress free. The beauty of Maple to define her lines coupled with the most delicate marquetry on all sides and a spectacular Russian rosette give her the looks to keep you marveled for hours.
A fabulous headstock with double headplate, carved string entrance and luxury tuners complete the crown on this magnificent Queen. 

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". 

The lattice is a concept based on the A frame of grand pianos. The back and sides are kept rigid by means of a sturdy A shaped frame and the top is thinned as much as possible to allow the top to vibrate generously. As you see from the picture above, the thinned area is approximately 1.2 mm thick (VS 2-2.5 in the standard thinning techniques). Lattice delivers a lot of volume (approximately 21 dbs more) and wonderfully clear trebles.

Radiused or flat fingerboard?
The radiused fingerboard has been around the acoustic and the electric guitar since day one. The same is true for most instruments of the Stringed family of instruments (violas, violins cellos, upright bass). Radiusing makes barre and left hand stopping A LOT easier. The only drawback is that you will NEVER want to play a  flat fingerboard after that. If you are having your custom guitar built, I am all pro radiusing the fingerboard. The adaptation to the radius is immediate. 

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. Its built following my specifications for the interior to fit Bellucci guitars like a glove. All Plush interior, key and accessories compartment.

640mm or 650 mm?
Regarding 650mm or 640 mm fingerboard fret spacing, keep the following rule at hand: If the distance between the tip of your thumb and the tip of your little finger is equal or less than 9 in when fully stretched, use 640 mm. Adapting from one scale to the other takes no adaptation. Impossible left hand fingers stretches become possible immediately.
 

Dear Renato, Did you know that the Bellucci guitars are becoming famous in the Netherlands?  This guitar is really unbelievable! The sound is marvelous and the shape and the workmanship are amazing. Thanks to you and the builders!!! Greetings, your friend, Errico, The Netherlands, June 16, 2009

HEAR THIS Sinker Redwood lattice braced MASTERPIECE

Allow me to introduce to you a tremendous playing machine. Gorgeous to look at and with a sound that will simply blow you away. Listen how Asturias advances relentlessly. With the power and drive of a locomotive. The shiny trebles accompany the main melody conducted by the right hand thumb and the player is surrounded by the most amazing music. Huge shivers are sent through my body as I pluck the base and I feel comfortable and at home with the slim neck and low set action. (3.3mm at fret 12).
I used a wonderful set of Brazilian rosewood from Cascavel (Brazil) It has been aged at least 90 years. Coupled with a 270 years aged set of Sinker redwood that complements the construction PERFECTLY. I used a Spanish inspired roses rosette and complemented her with matching marquetry to keep her lines protruding and allow fro perfect harmony. A Masterpiece to admire and play for hours at a time. 

The lattice is a concept based on the A frame of grand pianos. The back and sides are kept rigid by means of a sturdy A shaped frame and the top is thinned as much as possible to allow the top to vibrate generously. As you see from the picture above, the thinned area is approximately 1.2 mm thick (VS 2-2.5 in the standard thinning techniques). Lattice delivers a lot of volume (approximately 21 dbs more) and wonderfully clear trebles.

Radiused or flat fingerboard?
The radiused fingerboard has been around the acoustic and the electric guitar since day one. The same is true for most instruments of the Stringed family of instruments (violas, violins cellos, upright bass). Radiusing makes barre and left hand stopping A LOT easier. The only drawback is that you will NEVER want to play a  flat fingerboard after that. If you are having your custom guitar built, I am all pro radiusing the fingerboard. The adaptation to the radius is immediate. 

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. Its built following my specifications for the interior to fit Bellucci guitars like a glove. All Plush interior, key and accessories compartment.

640mm or 650 mm?
Regarding 650mm or 640 mm fingerboard fret spacing, keep the following rule at hand: If the distance between the tip of your thumb and the tip of your little finger is equal or less than 9 in when fully stretched, use 640 mm. Adapting from one scale to the other takes no adaptation. Impossible left hand fingers stretches become possible immediately.
 

Dear Renato,     The guitar arrived today, intact. First of all let me say that it is a beautiful instrument, a real masterpiece. I like the quality of the sound which is sweet, surprisingly so for a flamenco guitar. It is also very playable and takes no getting used to. I am really pleased with this instrument . I am in the process of trying to sell another one of my guitars and if I succeed, I will be in touch with you for one more instrument, this one to be made of a fancy wood. Thanks for the nice new instrument. Best wishes,  Allen, June 15 2009 , RI, USA