Handcrafted Classical Guitars
The classical guitar has its roots in the cithara, an Asian instrument popular about 5,000 years ago. The classical guitar evolved during the 14th - 18th centuries from a 3-string to 4 double strings similar to the lute, then 5 double strings then ultimately to a 6-stringed guitar made popular in Spain. It is these guitars that Candelas has made immensely popular around the world for the past 70 years. Tomas Delgado, owner and luthier of Candelas, hand makes each Classical or Cutaway Classical guitar in Mahogany, Brazilian Rosewood, Indian Rosewood or Palo Escrito. Guitar cases are sold separately because most classical guitar player preferences vary with some preferring a traveling hard shell guitar case or a lightweight foam guitar case.
 Classical Brazilian Rosewood |
 Classical Cutaway |
 Classical Mahogany Guitar |
 Classical Indian Rosewood |
 Classical Palo Escrito |
 Classical Rosewood |
 Classical Sofia |
The Spanish evolution of the classical guitar traces to the 16th century when Spaniards turned the 3-string into a 4-string vihuela for added range. Later, the Spanish vihuela evolved into an instrument with 6 double gut strings tuned like a classical guitar. The only tuning exception was to the 3rd string which was tuned a 1/2 step lower. The Spanish vihuela should not be confused with the Mexican 5-string vihuela with the rounded back.
Today’s classical guitars are also considered acoustic guitars with 6 double strings with a soundboard that amplifies the sound when the strings are plucked. Tomas Delgado produces Candelas' high quality handmade classical Spanish guitars with mahogany wood and cedar or spruce tops.
