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The Academia series is the conservatory step: the tier where a committed student's technique starts demanding more than a starter instrument can give. The Manuel Rodriguez Academia 40-C, Cedar/Zebrano 4/4, Gloss, Armrest carries that lineage.
Spanish Construction
This model pairs a cedar top with zebrano back and sides. Cedar tops speak warm and immediate; spruce tops start brighter and grow for decades. Either way, the bracing, the Spanish heel tradition, and the hand-finished details are what four generations of one Madrid family consider non-negotiable.
Sound
The Spanish classical voice: singing trebles, warm basses, and the separation between voices that polyphonic repertoire depends on.
Playability
An integrated armrest bevel eases the right arm over the lower bout, a comfort feature usually reserved for luthier commissions. Classical string spacing, clean fretwork, and a setup meant for real technique.
At a Glance
| Top | Solid cedar top |
| Back and Sides | Zebrano |
| Soundhole | Wooden soundhole mosaic |
| Neck | Mahogany neck |
| Fingerboard and Bridge | Ovangkol |
| Strings | Hannabach 815HTC Silver Special with CARBON treble strings, high tension, made in Germany |
| Machine Heads | Gold-plated machine head with lyra, black buttons and shafts |
| Finish | Environmentally-friendly polyurethane lacquer, highgloss |
| Binding | Real wood body-binding, multi-part top purfling |
Key Features
- Manuel Rodriguez ACADEMIA AC40-C
- Solid cedar top
- Back and sides Zebrano
- 4/4 size for children from ca. 14 years old and adults
- Mahogany neck Ovangkol fingerboard and bridge
- Genuine Spanish heel
- Ovangkol headstock rest
Who Is It For?
Built for classical students and advancing players who want traditional Spanish craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug the Manuel Rodriguez Academia 40-C into an amp?
Not out of the box, this is a fully acoustic model. A soundhole or under-saddle pickup can be added later by any guitar tech.
What does the 4/4 size mean?
It is a full-size instrument. Fractional sizes shorten the scale and body so younger or smaller players can reach chords comfortably; 4/4 is full size.
Does it use nylon or steel strings?
Nylon. Classical guitars are built and braced for nylon strings only; steel strings would damage the top and neck.
Need help choosing? Call 844-687-4208 or use the contact page and talk to a musician who plays for a living.