Another excellent solid wood guitar from the Antonio Picado workshop. Handmade in Spain with great attention to the small details that matter.

Moving up the Antonio Picado range brings a redesigned rosette, matching tie block with complementary coloured purfling and a change of headstock. The Model 54 also includes a hardwood inlay to reinforce the neck.

A Closer Look

The Model 54 bears all the same hallmarks as Antonio Picado’s Model 53. It’s traditionally made, authentically Spanish on paper and in the way it plays and sounds. Clarity is superb and voicing is precise. Tonally, these guitars are very closely matched.

With that in mind, why would you choose the Model 54 over the Model 53 from the same maker? Does it offer anything extra?

At first glance, it appears the answer is no. The body shape is identical with no detectable differences in dimensions between the Model 53 and Model 54. The neck feels the same too and the action/relief is identical.

The only noticeable differences on the surface appear to be the design of the rosette and it’s matching purfling. That along with the more decorative tie block and a redesigned headstock. Very nice, admittedly, but it’s at this point you start to wonder if these differences are worth the additional £300. Afterall, one headstock shape over another doesn’t have much, if any discernible effect on tone.

But then you look closely and subtle differences begin to appear.

A glance at the back of the neck reveals a hardwood inlay to reinforce the neck; a feature which is absent on the Model 53. Although reinforcement isn’t necessary, some players prefer this feature as it gives added peace of mind that the neck won’t warp over time.

It doesn’t stop there.

Tone

The Model 53 and Model 54 share the same overall tonal character. They are both clear voiced guitars with ability to separate trebles/basses with aplomb. To this end, they feel equally matched.

However after listening more carefully to A/B tests between the two, you can hear small differences emerge. There is a shade more refinement in the way the Model 54 carries a melody over the chords. The presentation feels somehow less clinical in its separation of voices with more of a musical treatment of tone. I must stress the difference is subtle, but unless my ears are deceiving me, it is there.

The same rings true for dynamic range. Both guitars are pretty closely matched, with the Model 54 feeling a touch more robust at it’s limits. It’s hard to know whether this is a trick of the mind or whether there is a genuine difference. It’s a close call but I’d stick my neck out and say that I can feel and hear a difference in this department, at least between the Model 53 and Model 54 used for this comparison.

Playability

In terms of playability, I’m almost relieved to report that there is no noticeable difference between the Model 53 and Model 54. Both play beautifully and if you close your eyes, it would be impossible to tell the difference.

The only difference I can feel is that sense that the Model 54 is somehow more sturdy under heavier playing. Can that be attributed to the hardwood inlay in the neck? It’s impossible to know for certain, but just about possible to feel when running A/B tests between both models.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the Model 54 is an outstanding instrument for any developing guitarist and one that would be capable of carrying off Grade 8 pieces with ease. Tonally it offers quality, variation and dynamism. It also plays like a dream meaning any guitarist should find it comfortable to play for hours on end.

The only question mark for someone considering this instrument is whether they need the shade extra tonal quality and dynamic range that the Model 54 possesses over the Model 53. That, and whether they can get away with no hardwood inlay in the neck.

My gut instinct is that if budget allows, the Model 54 makes sense. The reinforced neck is a nice bonus and the extra decoration and design features elevate this guitar and give it a more luxury feel. It somehow just feels more together without being able to distinguish exactly why.

However, if funds are tight and corners need to be cut, the Model 53 offers a superb alternative to the Model 54 without sacrificing too much in the name of tone.