Elegance and Artistry: the Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C for the Discerning Guitarist

In the realm of classical guitars, few names carry the weight of tradition and craftsmanship quite like Alhambra. The Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C stands as a testament to their dedication to excellence. It offers musicians a blend of timeless design, superb tonal qualities, and comfortable playability. In this comprehensive review, I’ll explore both the cedar and spruce top variants of the Serie C, delving into their intricate details and assessing their performance across various criteria.

Alhambra Company Overview

Alhambra is a renowned Spanish guitar company with a long-standing tradition of crafting high-quality classical and flamenco guitars. The Alhambra company was founded in 1965 in the town of Muro de Alcoy, near Valencia, Spain. The company takes its name from the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Drawing inspiration from the rich Spanish guitar-making tradition, Alhambra has established itself as a respected name in the world of classical guitars.

Alhambra specializes in classical and flamenco guitars, catering to the needs of both professional musicians and enthusiasts. Their classical guitars are highly regarded for their warm, balanced tone and responsiveness. This makes them suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Flamenco guitars from Alhambra are known for their characteristic brightness, percussive attack, and ability to cut through in rhythmic flamenco playing.

While rooted in tradition, Alhambra embraces innovation and employs modern techniques to enhance its instruments. They incorporate features such as lattice bracing systems, adjustable truss rods, and ergonomic designs, aiming to improve playability and optimize sound projection.

Alhambra offers a diverse range of guitars, catering to different player preferences and skill levels. Their lineup includes entry-level student models, intermediate guitars, and high-end concert instruments. They also produce guitars in varying sizes, accommodating players with different body types and comfort preferences. Alhambra guitars are known for their affordability relative to their craftsmanship and sound quality.

Traditional Spanish Craftsmanship:

The Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C is a testament to the centuries-old Spanish guitar-making tradition. It is the best-selling model for Alhambra. Crafted with utmost precision in Spain (yes, this guitar is entirely made in Spain!), this guitar showcases the timeless artistry and dedication of master luthiers. Every aspect, from the selection of the finest tonewoods to the delicate bracing and elegant detailing, reflects the expertise and passion for creating an instrument of such exceptional quality.

Body Shape and Size

The Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C features a classic Spanish guitar body shape with carefully considered dimensions. Its slightly elongated upper bout provides easy access to the higher frets. The overall shape ensures a balanced and comfortable playing experience.

Top/Soundboard

Available in cedar and spruce variants, the Serie C offers players a choice between two distinct tonal profiles. The cedar top imbues the guitar with warmth and richness, ideal for expressive playing styles. The spruce top delivers clarity and projection, perfect for virtuosic performances.

Back and Sides

Crafted from high-quality tonewoods, the back and sides of the Serie C contribute to its resonant and balanced sound. They are made from Indian rosewood and are meticulously selected to ensure optimal tonal characteristics and visual appeal. The guitar has thicker sides and back than standard (3mm vs 2mm), giving it more volume and sustain.

Neck and Fingerboard

The neck of the Serie C is designed for comfort and playability. It has a smooth finish that allows for effortless movement across the fingerboard. Paired with a durable and responsive fingerboard, the neck ensures precise intonation and articulation in every performance.

Scale Length and Nut Width

The scale length of the Alhambra Serie C is 650mm (25.6 inches), which is the standard for most full-size classical guitars. The nut width, which refers to the width of the fingerboard at the nut, is 52mm (2.05 inches). These dimensions contribute to the guitar’s playability and comfort.

Bracing

The bracing pattern of the Serie C is carefully designed to optimize the guitar’s resonance and projection. The Serie C (as opposed to the NT) uses a modern lattice design. This bracing enhances the guitar’s tonal characteristics and responsiveness across the entire frequency range. It also adds to the projection.

Finish and Details

From its elegant rosette to its meticulous binding and purfling, every detail of the Serie C reflects Alhambra’s commitment to craftsmanship and aesthetics. The top is thinner than standard and French polished, giving it very powerful volume and projection. The back and sides are finished with a polyurethane finish enhancing the guitar’s natural beauty. This allows the wood to breathe and resonate freely, further enhancing its tonal qualities.

Superb Tone and Projection:

The Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C is highly regarded for its sound quality and performance capabilities. I can attest to the quality of sound each Alhambra I’ve played, including the Serie C.

Tonal Characteristics

Both the cedar and spruce top variants of the Serie C offer exceptional tonal qualities, each with its unique character. Whether seeking warmth and depth or clarity and brilliance, players will find that the Serie C delivers a rich and expressive sound that inspires creativity and musicality. I prefer spruce, but I performed professionally for 8 years on a cedar top.

Projection and Volume

Thanks to its carefully crafted bracing and responsive top wood, the Serie C boasts impressive projection and volume. Whether performing in a concert hall or recording studio, the guitar’s rich and resonant sound cuts through the mix with clarity and authority, ensuring that every note is heard with precision and definition.

Playability

With its comfortable neck profile and smooth fingerboard, the Serie C offers effortless playability and control. Whether playing intricate melodies or complex chord voicings, players will appreciate the guitar’s responsive feel and intuitive playability, allowing for fluid and expressive performances.

Articulation and Expressiveness

The Serie C excels in articulation and expressiveness, allowing players to convey their musical ideas with clarity and emotion. Whether exploring delicate arpeggios or bold chord progressions, the guitar responds with nuance and sensitivity, capturing the subtleties of the player’s touch and technique.

Versatility

From classical repertoire to contemporary compositions, the Serie C offers versatility and adaptability for a wide range of musical styles. Whether accompanying vocals, blending with other instruments, or taking center stage in a solo performance, the guitar’s balanced tonal profile and dynamic range make it a versatile choice for discerning musicians.

Comfortable Playability:

The Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C provides a comfortable playing experience for beginners and students. It’s worth noting that comfort and playability can be subjective, as individual preferences and physical attributes vary.

Neck Profile:

The neck profile of the Serie C is designed for comfort and ease of play, with a smooth finish that allows for effortless movement across the fingerboard. Whether playing intricate melodies or complex chord voicings, players will appreciate the neck’s comfortable feel and responsive playability.

Nut Width:

The Alhambra Serie C features a nut width of around 52mm (2.04 inches). This width provides sufficient and standard spacing between the strings. This allows for proper finger placement and reduces the chances of unintentional muting or buzzing. The nut width accommodates classical playing techniques, such as fingerstyle and intricate chord voicings.

String Action and Fretwork:

The Alhambra Serie C has a comfortable string action, which refers to the height of the strings above the fingerboard. I have played many new Alhambras and find them set well within where I like to have the action set. A properly set string action ensures ease of playability and minimizes the effort required to fret notes. The fretwork on the Alhambra Serie C is of the highest hand luthiery. The smoothly finished frets allow for seamless movement along the fingerboard.

Smooth Fingerboard:

The fingerboard of the Serie C is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring smooth playability and durability. Whether using nylon or carbon fiber strings, players will appreciate the fingerboard’s responsive feel and consistent performance, allowing for effortless navigation across the fretboard.

Overall Ergonomics:

With its balanced proportions and ergonomic design, the Serie C offers a comfortable playing experience for musicians of all levels. Whether performing on stage or practicing at home, players will find that the guitar’s thoughtful design and attention to detail contribute to a rewarding and enjoyable playing experience.

Value and Longevity

The Alhambra Serie C provides a good balance of quality craftsmanship, sound, and affordability. This is especially true considering what other hand-made classical guitars cost. While prices may vary depending on factors such as the model’s specifications and any additional features, Alhambra guitars offer excellent value for their price range. They are often praised for their sound quality and construction compared to similarly priced instruments.

Craftsmanship and Materials

The Serie C is crafted from high-quality materials and components, ensuring long-lasting durability and performance. Whether made from solid tonewoods or premium hardware, every aspect of the guitar reflects Alhambra’s commitment to craftsmanship and excellence.

Longevity

Thanks to its durable construction and timeless design, the Serie C is built to last a lifetime. Whether used for daily practice or occasional performances, players can trust that the guitar will maintain its quality and playability for years to come, making it a valuable investment for serious musicians.

Resale Value

Due to its reputation for quality and craftsmanship, the Serie C retains its resale value well over time. Whether upgrading to a higher-end model or selling to another musician, players can expect to recoup a significant portion of their investment, making the Serie C a wise choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Warranty

The Serie C comes with a standard warranty from Alhambra, providing peace of mind and assurance against defects in materials and workmanship. Whether purchased new or used, players can trust that the guitar is backed by the manufacturer’s commitment to customer satisfaction and support.

Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Exquisite craftsmanship: The Serie C showcases Alhambra’s dedication to traditional Spanish luthiery, with impeccable attention to detail and aesthetics.
2. Superb tonal qualities: Whether opting for cedar or spruce, players can expect rich, expressive sound and impressive projection.
3. Comfortable playability: With a smooth neck profile, ergonomic design, and low-string action, the Serie C offers effortless playability for musicians of all levels.
4. Versatility: From classical to contemporary styles, the Serie C adapts effortlessly to a wide range of musical genres and playing techniques.
5. Longevity and value: Built from high-quality materials and backed by a standard warranty, the Serie C offers lasting durability and resale value.

Cons

1. Price: While the Serie C represents a significant investment, its exceptional craftsmanship and performance justify the cost for serious musicians.
2. Availability: Due to its popularity and limited production, the Serie C may be difficult to find in certain regions or at specific retailers.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C stands as a pinnacle of classical guitar craftsmanship. It offers players a choice between cedar and spruce top variants that excel in tonal richness and projection. With its comfortable playability, versatile performance capabilities, and enduring value, the Serie C is a worthy investment for musicians seeking an instrument that inspires creativity and musicality. Whether on stage, in the studio, or at home, the Serie C embodies the timeless elegance and expressive potential that define the Alhambra legacy.

Hopefully, you can now make an informed decision on whether this guitar is right for you. Next, check out my guide on keeping it clean.

Looking for other options for a classical guitar? Check out my post on the Best Classical Guitars Under 1000.

Editorial Process:

My reviews are made by a team of one, myself, before being written and come from real-world experience. Read my editorial process here.

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to us at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. You can read my affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.