Handmade exclusively in Spain using high quality solid woods throughout, the Antonio Picado Model 53 is a classical guitar that has stayed true to it’s roots and is reaping the benefits given the stellar reputation is has built since its inception.

You’ll be hard pushed to find a bad review of any Antonio Picado guitar (I’m still looking…). So what is it exactly this small Spanish workshop are doing so well?

It could be something to do with the fact they only produce around 20 guitars per month, meaning more care and attention is given to each instrument than competing workshops. Or perhaps it’s the makers choice to constantly refine a traditionally built model first conceived over 40 years ago rather than being distracted by new designs and latest trends?

Whatever it is, it’s working. The Model 53 remains one of Antonio Picado’s most popular models and is a firm favourite here at CGA too. In fact it’s one of my personal recommendations for anybody stepping up to their first solid wood guitar.

A Closer Look

So what do we mean by ‘traditional construction’? Primarily this refers to the Torres style fan bracing utilised in construction of the soundboard. Over the years, makers have time and again favoured the use of Indian Rosewood to pair with either a cedar or spruce top. The Model 53 also uses this tried and tested formula and is therefore more traditional in it’s construction than some modern guitars which are starting to utilise woods such as Walnut, Cherry or Mahogany. Exotic variants exist too, such as highy decorative Ziricote or Santos Rosewood.

The Model 53 relies on the tried and tested formula of Cedar/Spruce top paired with Indian Rosewood. Afterall, if it has worked so well for so many years, why attempt to reinvent the wheel now? The result is a guitar that is not only an authentic Spanish instrument because it is built exclusively in Spain, but sounds and plays like an authentic Spanish guitar because that’s all it has ever been for well over 40 years.

The rosette is intricately designed and colour matched by the soundboard purfling. The back/sides take on a more simplistic design as you might expect, but still include a centre strip of what appears to be rosewood, which is subtly different and complimentary to the Indian Rosewood panels that form the back. It would require less work to join the bookmatched Indian Rosewood back panels together with no decoration, but Antonio Picado was clearly felt it necessary to include this lovely design feature.

Tone

All the tradition, authenticity of design or attention to detail in the world is worth nothing unless the guitar sounds good. Fortunately, this has not been overlooked. In fact, I’d say it takes centre stage.

What I like most about the Model 53 is the way it presents individual voices. The classical guitar is a self accompanying instrument, meaning we need to play the melody, bass and harmony parts all together on the same guitar. The problem with this is that all voices need to maintain their own identity whilst still being produced by the same instrument. Typically, this is something cheaper guitars struggle with and will often sound muddy, indistinct or dull.

What I love most is how the Model 53 excels in this department. Melodies are crisp and clean, whilst still feeling musical and lyrical. The bass is refined without a hint of boominess, whilst the inner harmony can be balanced beautifully against other voices without the guitarist having to work too hard. That in itself makes the Model 53 the perfect instrument for any developing classical guitarist who is exploring dynamics, voices and expression.

If that’s not enough, there is plenty of dynamic range too for those looking to break new ground in this aspect of their playing.

There are noticeable differences between the spruce and cedar versions, but it’s not what you might initially think. The spruce top Model 53 has a full bodied and incredibly sweet tone. An excellent choice for those who favour soaring melodies that have real weight behind them.

The cedar top Model 53 is a tad more excitable in voice. You get all of the rich and harmonious tone you might expect from a cedar top guitar, but is coupled by a sparkly and expressive treble tone.

Notes sustain wonderfully on both spruce and cedar models, and both are enormous amounts of fun to play.

Playability

The body shape of the Model 53 is like most other full size classical guitars. In terms of dimensions it’s hard to pick it out of a line up against it’s competitors. This should mean guitarists should have no trouble finding a comfortable position to play. The guitar feels well balanced on the knee and the high gloss finish feels good in the hands.

Similar to the body, the neck shapes feels consistent with most other traditional classical guitars. A gentle D shape with shoulders tapered low enough to make fretting anything a breeze. This is not a modern hybrid style guitar attempting to appeal to acoustic or electric guitarists as a crossover instrument. It’s a full blown classical guitar and makes no apologies for it.

Conclusion

This is a proper classical guitar that is perfectly suited for a developing classical guitarist. Upgrading to the Model 53 will allow greater exploration of dynamics, improving range for expressive playing. It also has that golden capability of presenting voices separately which unlocks a whole new world of musicianship for the player.

Ideal for a classical guitarist who is looking to upgrade to their first ‘serious’ or solid wood guitar, or those who want to experience what a good classical guitar should look and sound like without breaking the bank on a concert guitar.

Consider this a mid/high studio guitar that punches well above it’s weight in terms of it’s tonal capability.