A high end studio guitar from esteemed Spanish maker Antonio Picado.

The Model 60 is one of Antonio Picado’s more premium models, sitting just below the Model 62 and C-1. Picado already offer two excellent studio guitars in the Model 53 and Model 54, so how does the Model 60 compare to it’s more affordable siblings, and is the additional investment worth making?

It’s a valid question, as the Model 53 and Model 54 already offer developing classical guitarists a rich plethora of tonal bliss rarely matched by other Spanish makers for the same price. What does the Model 60 bring to the practice room that the less expensive models do not?

A Closer Look

On first inspection, all Antonio Picado guitars appear to share similarities. Their traditional shape and body depth are practically identical and whilst the decoration varies from one model to another, stylistically they are clearly siblings from the same workshop.

The Model 60 does feature upgraded tuners which bring a higher end feel and function to the guitar. A hardwood inlay in the neck has been maintained from the Model 54 to provide reinforcement to allay fears of warping. Retained too is the decoration on the tie block which is first introduced on the Model 54.

To find any further differences we have to dive a little deeper. Antonio Picado provide us with details of all their guitars. Notably, the specification of the Model 60 is where we see mentioned ‘first-quality woods’. An interesting inclusion which suggests the quality of woods chosen for the Model 60 is of higher grade than those on the Model 53 and Model 54. Although the species of wood is the same (cedar or spruce paired with Indian Rosewood), the quality is vastly different. Those in search of the very best tone should take note of this inclusion, as whilst it does not affect outwards appearance, it has a profound impact on the sound.

Like all Antonio Picado guitars, the Model 60 comes with a choice of cedar or spruce. Beyond that, there is also the option for a ‘doblo tapa’ version should you wish. Doblo Tapa is the addition of a second back veneer placed on the inside of the guitar to increase thickness and alter the tone. Which brings us nicely onto how this particular guitar sounds…

Tone

If you’ve read my other reviews of the Model 53 and Model 54, you’ll know that I had a hard time picking between the two as they share a number of similarities. The Model 60 presents no such dilemma.

Rather than a rehash of the Model 54, the Model 60 sounds like a completely different instrument in many respects.

Although the overall Antonio Picado character is evident, there is a chasmic difference in tonal quality between the Model 60 and Model 54. Given how good the Model 54 is, this is quite staggering.

Whilst there is a gorgeous purity and song like tone to the treble strings of the spruce version, it is accompanied by a host of sympathetic resonance not heard on the lower models. This quality alone elevates the Model 60 into new tonal territory and opens up new avenues of expressive capabilities.

I found the sustain on the Model 60 to be rather impressive. The extra resonance helps to prop up melodies and sustain beautifully. I had great fun striking single notes and letting them sing, listening to the various choirs of notes whose voices echo in harmony somewhere in the background.

Separation of voice, one of Antonio Picado’s hallmarks, is another defining feature. Beyond that however, is an extended dynamic range which when pushed, acts as a catalyst to dial in more sympathetic resonance. The result is a guitar that gets more excitable the harder you play, which feels rather natural when it comes to phrasing. Whether this is a deliberate intention by design or a happy accident, it is a most welcome tonal feature.

The standard Model 60 has a slightly darker and more breath like tone than it’s ‘doblo tapa’ sibling. ‘Openness’ is another word the springs to mind when comparing the two side by side. Highly resonant with gorgeous depth of tone in all registers.

Playability

The neck is consistent with Antonio Picado’s other guitars; gentle D shape, very comfortable and largely familiar in feel to guitarists who know what a traditional classical guitar feels like.

The higher quality woods seem to help with the responsiveness of the Model 60, meaning it just feels that little easier to synchronise both hands.

A standard 4mm/3mm action set up is how these guitars arrive from the workshop, but there is room to lower this should it be preferred. I found this action to be pretty much optimal as it allowed me to push harder to benefit from the extended dynamic range.

Conclusion

The Model 60 sits pretty alongside the Model 62 as the highest studio quality guitar made by Antonio Picado (the only difference being the use of Madagascan Rosewood on the more expensive Model 62).

I can see this guitar appealing to a wide range of guitarists, including the developing guitarist who wants the most highly expressive and dynamic guitar to accompany their journey through to Grade 8, right up to accomplished guitarists who want a tremendous instrument to practice with and enjoy. Concert guitar shoppers looking at guitars in the £3,000 range would do well to consider this guitar too, such is the quality.

Although the price will be prohibitive to some, it is still a highly competitive guitar given it’s tonal, dynamic and expressive capabilities. I will happily roll this out for customers to try alongside lower end concert guitars, knowing that it will hold it’s own when rubbing shoulders with the big boys.