Almansa

Overview

Almansa is a Spanish manufacturer of classical and flamenco guitars, established in 1989 in Alicante province. It produces instruments ranging from student models to higher-end conservatory and studio options, including cutaway versions with preamps, using materials like solid cedar tops, laminate or solid mahogany/rosewood backs and sides.¹²³

History

Guitarras Almansa was founded in 1989 by professionals in the guitar-making field in Muro de Alcoy, Alicante, Spain, to produce classical and flamenco guitars.¹³ The company manufactures a range of scale lengths, including 1/2 and Cadete sizes for students, as well as cutaway models.¹ It has developed a reputation for quality craftsmanship across beginner to professional instruments.²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in their workshop in Muro de Alcoy, Alicante, Spain.¹³ Production is in-house by luthiers focusing on classical and flamenco guitars.³ Some speculation exists of shared facilities with Alhambra, but Almansa operates as a dedicated workshop.²

Notable Products

• Almansa A-400 - Budget classical guitar with solid top, laminate mahogany back/sides, rosewood fingerboard.
• Almansa A-403 - Classical guitar featuring solid cedar top and mahogany back/sides for balanced tone.
• Almansa 435 Conservatory Cutaway - Cutaway model with solid red cedar top, pickup, suited for stage use.
• Almansa A-403 CW - Cutaway classical variant with low action and high-tension strings.

Reputation

Almansa guitars are viewed positively for value, offering quality craftsmanship from budget to studio levels without entering top concert tiers.²⁵ Enthusiasts note good tone and playability, especially in models like the A-400 and 435.²⁴ Some associate it with Alhambra's factory, suggesting reliable Spanish production.² Criticisms are minimal, mainly on laminate woods in lower models.