Manuel Rodriguez Caballero Principio C CA-CM 4/4

A Principio focused on the fundamentals of classical guitar

The Manuel Rodriguez Caballero Principio C CA-CM 4/4 focuses on the essential elements of an acoustic classical guitar: a solid top, traditional proportions, and craftsmanship without built-in electronics. In this configuration, the focus is on touch, natural resonance, and articulation. It is a relevant approach for developing your playing without relying on amplification.

Its presentation combines a wood mosaic rosette, gold-plated tuning machines, and a body binding enhanced with a red decorative strip. The environmentally friendly water-based matte finishing preserves an open-pore appearance. Overall, it favors a refined aesthetic, with decorative details that highlight the instrument's lines without overwhelming them.

An adult size for learning and developing your interpretation

This 4/4 classical guitar is aimed at beginners looking for an instrument with a solid top, as well as intermediate guitarists wishing to further develop their technique. Its 650 mm / 25.59-inch scale length and 52 mm / 2.05-inch nut width correspond to the usual proportions of a full-size classical guitar. This size should still be chosen according to the player's build and left-hand comfort.

The string spacing facilitates work on arpeggios, chords, and independent voices. The Caballero Principio C is therefore well suited to studying the classical repertoire, traditional pieces, bossa nova, or song accompaniment. It allows you to work on the consistency of your attack and dynamics, two key aspects in developing an interpretation.

Solid cedar for warmth and playing sensitivity

The solid cedar soundboard top forms the sonic heart of this guitar. This wood is valued for its sensitive response and generally warm character. It encourages an accessible expression under the fingers, particularly in passages played delicately. For the musician, this means being able to explore tonal variations without having to systematically increase the force of the attack.

The sapelli mahogany back and sides support this tonal direction with a present midrange and a woody color. Their combination with cedar suits both singing melodies and arpeggiated accompaniment. Projection and note sustain also depend on the player's technique: a controlled attack helps preserve the clarity of the individual voices and allows chords to ring out without becoming harsh.

The key and bridge are made of ovangkol, while the okoumé neck features carbon reinforcement designed to improve its stability. The nut and saddle are made of Bonoid. These components contribute to the instrument's mechanical operation, from supporting the strings to transmitting their vibrations to the top.

The original setup uses Hannabach 600HTG3C strings, made in Germany, with a carbon G string. This provides clearer articulation in an important register for melodic lines and inner voices. On this acoustic guitar, the sound remains directly linked to the position of the right hand, the fingernail, and the intensity of the touch.

Recommended compatible accessories

To replace the strings while preserving the original setup, the most straightforward choice is a Hannabach 600HTG3C set with a carbon G3 string. This reference allows you to reproduce the configuration supplied with the instrument. When replacing the strings, follow the classical guitar stringing method and work carefully to protect the finishing and bridge.

Technical specifications

Format	4/4	Fingerboard	Ovangkol
Left handed	No	Neck Type	Glued
Cutaway	No	Electroacoustic	No
Strings	nylon	Color	Natural
Nbr of strings	6	Finishing	Matt
Top	Cedar	Hardware	Gold
Back&Sides	Sapelli

Type	acoustic nylon-string classical guitar.	Nut width	52 mm / 2.05 inches.
Size	4/4.	Bridge	ovangkol.
Back and sides	sapele mahogany.	Nut	Bonoid.
Rosette	wood mosaic.	Saddle	Bonoid.
Body binding	ABS with red decorative strip.	Tuners	gold, with black buttons and scrolls.
Neck wood	okoumé.	Model	Manuel Rodriguez Caballero Principio C CA-CM 4/4.
Neck reinforcement	carbon.	Original strings	Hannabach 600HTG3C.
Key	ovangkol.	G string	G3 carbon.
Scale length	650 mm / 25.59 inches.	Country of manufacture of the strings	Germany.