Manuel Rodriguez Samba Ecología Flat Cutaway

An ECOLOGÍA Designed for the Stage, Without Compromising Manuel Rodriguez's Classical DNA

With the ECOLOGÍA series, Manuel Rodriguez offers a contemporary interpretation of the classical guitar: an aesthetic faithful to traditional codes (mosaic rosette, classical bridge, wood finishes) alongside concrete choices focused on comfort and modern use. The Samba Plano clearly fits this approach thanks to its electro-acoustic design and flat body format, particularly appreciated by guitarists who play standing up, move around, or alternate between several instruments live.

Another strong point of this range is the eco-friendly water-based finish with a matte satin appearance. In daily use, this type of finish offers a more natural feel under the hand, limits the "sticky" effect during long sessions, and highlights the wood grain. Made in Europe, the Samba Plano positions itself as a versatile classical guitar, equipped and ready for rehearsals, stage, and recording, while remaining immediately familiar to those coming from classical guitar.

An Electro-Acoustic Classical Guitar for Accompaniment, Singing, and Solo Parts

The Manuel Rodriguez ECOLOGÍA Samba Plano targets advanced beginners and intermediate players who want to step up with a reliable, well-set-up instrument that is above all easy to amplify. It is equally suitable for experienced musicians looking for a practical, lightweight, and efficient guitar for small gigs, coffee concerts, events, or acoustic sets where quick plugging in and good sound control are essential.

The cutaway truly makes a difference once you explore the upper neck: melodies, intros, tight chord arrangements, or more "lead guitar" lines on a classical guitar. Add to that the GEWA armrest installed in the workshop: it improves forearm comfort, promotes a more relaxed posture, and helps maintain consistent attack, especially useful in bossa, acoustic pop, Latin, nylon fingerstyle, and vocal accompaniment.

Sound: Precision of Solid Spruce, Balance of Walnut, and an Amplified Sound Easy to Shape

Acoustically, the solid spruce top delivers what many guitarists seek in a modern classical: a quick response, clear articulation, and a wide dynamic range. Spruce emphasizes attack definition, which helps keep melodic lines clear even on rich voicings or syncopated rhythms. This responsiveness is also an asset for right-hand precision: the instrument "responds" immediately, making playing more controllable.

The walnut back and sides contribute to a very musical balance: present mids, controlled bass, and a clean treble without harshness. On a guitar designed for the stage, this balance matters: it allows the player to sit well in a mix (voice + percussion + second instrument) with less effort and leaves room for equalization without needing to correct excesses. The acacia fingerboard and bridge enhance the feeling of precision under the fingers, with a firm touch that encourages clean playing, especially when alternating soft rasgueados, arpeggios, and strummed chords.

Plugged in, the Samba Plano focuses on efficiency: the ARTEC SQ-3 preamp offers direct controls (volume and 3-band equalizer) to quickly adapt the instrument to a PA system, audio interface, or acoustic amplifier. The Solidflex bridge pickup captures the top's energy and aims for a balanced reproduction, practical for maintaining bass clarity and mid presence. In real conditions, the Phase Reverse function is a real plus to reduce feedback, especially near stage monitors or in reverberant rooms. Finally, the built-in tuner allows silent tuning by cutting the output signal, a simple but valuable detail live.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

The pack delivered with the guitar provides a complete and coherent base: Manuel Rodriguez 213.100MR gig bag for transport, MR 531.618 leather strap for comfortable standing play, and Security Locks 555.111 already installed to secure the instrument during transport and on stage.

Technical specifications

Type	electro-acoustic classical guitar	Bridge	acacia
Size	4/4	Bridge type	traditional 6-hole
Cutaway	yes	Bridge insert	Bonoïd
Body	flat	Nut	Bonoïd
Top	solid spruce	Tuners	slotted, nickel-plated, black buttons and shafts
Back and sides	walnut	Security Locks	installed
Purfling	real wood	Strings	Hannabach 600MT, medium tension, made in Germany
Rosette	wood mosaic	Preamp	ARTEC SQ-3 for Manuel Rodríguez
Armrest	GEWA installed in workshop	Pickup	Solidflex bridge pickup
Finish	eco-friendly water-based micro-porous varnish, matte satin	Equalizer	3-band
Neck	maple	Controls	volume, bass (100 Hz), mid (800 Hz), treble (4 kHz)
Neck/body joint	dovetail	Functions	Phase Reverse (Anti-Feedback), tuner
Scale length	25.59" / 650 mm	Tuner	cuts output signal, works even without jack inserted, does not auto-shutoff
Nut width	1.89" / 48 mm	Model	Manuel Rodríguez ECOLOGÍA SAMBA PLANO
Fingerboard	acacia, curved	Manufacture	Europe
Headstock overlay	walnut	Included	Manuel Rodriguez 213.100MR gig bag, MR 531.618 leather strap, Security Locks 555.111