Manuel Rodriguez Exótica Santos Pavo Real Cedar/Santos EX-SC glossy

An Exótica with a Bold Look in the Spirit of Manuel Rodríguez

With the Exótica Santos Pavo Real, Manuel Rodríguez offers a classical guitar that respects the fundamentals of the Spanish tradition while showcasing a strong visual identity. The idea behind this "Exótica" version is clear: to highlight a Santos rosewood with a very pronounced grain pattern while maintaining a serious and coherent construction for the demanding musician. Listed under the Exótica line and the ACADEMIA series, it positions itself as a rewarding 4/4 classical guitar designed for regular practice, stage performance, and recording, with a high-gloss polyurethane finish made to withstand everyday life.

For Which Guitarists and Styles?

This 4/4 classical guitar is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists looking to step up in comfort, precision, and sound presence. Its clear response inspires confidence in fast passages, while its harmonic richness perfectly serves the classical repertoire (studies, polyphonic pieces, intricate accompaniments), as well as contemporary compositions and nylon fingerstyle. If you enjoy bringing out a melody in the treble while maintaining a solid foundation in the bass, this cedar top and Santos rosewood configuration is particularly relevant.

A Warm, Precise, and Projected Sound

The solid red cedar top provides the main character: a quick attack, natural warmth, and a "sound already open" sensation from the first minutes of playing. It is a highly appreciated choice for arpeggios, legato, and expression, as the top easily responds to right-hand variations, even with a light attack. The laminated Santos rosewood (back and sides) adds depth and definition, helping the guitar project with clear note-to-note articulation while remaining stable under varying playing conditions.

The construction with a true Spanish heel enhances the sense of coherence: the timbre remains homogeneous across the entire neck, and sustain develops naturally, benefiting both held chords and singing phrases. In terms of precision, the compensated bridge and vintage bone nuts contribute to a clear attack and accurate intonation, even when using higher-tension string sets to gain sustain and projection.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

For this 4/4 classical guitar, prioritize nylon strings for 4/4 classical guitars: a high tension gauge can enhance attack, finger stability, and projection, while a softer tension favors comfort and dynamics. A tuner and a footrest ideally complement classical practice, with no compatibility constraints.

Technical specifications

Type	classical guitar	Nut width	2.05" / 52 mm
Size	4/4	Headstock	Santos veneer
Top	solid red cedar (Canadian cedar)	Bridge	ovangkol, 6 holes
Back and sides	Santos rosewood (Machaerium scleroxylon), laminated, very visible grain	Nut	vintage bone (ivory color)
Rosette	wooden mosaic	Bridge inlay	vintage bone (ivory color)
Binding	genuine mahogany body binding	Tuners	gold-plated, black buttons and shafts (depending on series: with or without lyre)
Construction	true Spanish heel	Armrest	GEWA
Finish	ecological polyurethane lacquer, high gloss	Strings	Hannabach 815HTC Silver Special, treble CARBON, high tension, made in Germany
Neck	mahogany	Manufacture	Europe
Fingerboard	ovangkol	Model	EX-SC Exótica Santos Pavo Real Gloss
Scale length	25.59" / 650 mm	Range reference	Manuel Rodríguez ACADEMIA Exótica Santos Pavo Real