Manuel Rodriguez Caballero Stage CA-PM-SE

A Caballero Stage designed for amplified playing

The Manuel Rodriguez Caballero Stage CA-PM-SE combines nylon strings with a design focused on upper-fret access and amplified use. This electro-acoustic version features a solid top, a shallow body and built-in electronics. Its appeal lies in this combination: preserving the acoustic response of a solid wood top while offering ergonomics suited to working across the entire neck.

The cutaway and 14th-fret neck joint are central to this approach. They make it easier to access the upper register, while the flat body reduces bulk against the player. The matte finishing, gold tuners with black buttons and posts, and red decorative purfling give the instrument a sober appearance accented by contrasting details.

For nylon-string guitarists exploring the entire neck

This electro-acoustic classical guitar is particularly suited to intermediate and advanced players looking for an instrument for accompaniment, arrangements and solo passages. Beginners may also consider it if they want to work with an amplifiable guitar from the outset. The 48 mm / 1.89-inch nut width offers tighter string spacing than many traditional classical guitars.

The radiused key may be of particular interest to guitarists accustomed to a steel-string acoustic or electric guitar who want to discover nylon strings. Bossa nova, singer-songwriter music, acoustic pop and fingerstyle arrangements are natural settings for this model. Its 21 frets and cutaway are also assets for developing melodic lines beyond the first positions, without restricting the instrument to accompaniment.

Solid spruce and Sapelli: acoustic clarity and control of the amplified sound

The solid spruce top promotes a clear attack and a responsive reaction to variations in touch. It allows for nuanced playing, from light arpeggios to more emphatic chords. The Sapelli mahogany back and sides contribute a warm color and pronounced mids, helping to give body to both accompaniments and melodies.

The shallow body prioritizes closeness to the instrument and comfortable positioning. It should not be expected to deliver exactly the same acoustic volume or low-end fullness as a deeper classical body. Projection and sustain also depend on the attack and overall setup; here, the key advantage is combining an expressive acoustic response with practical amplified use.

The ETC-4 preamp with 4-band equalizer allows the frequency balance to be adjusted to the amplification and playing context. You can therefore seek greater presence for a solo or a softer sound when accompanying a voice. The built-in tuner makes checks between songs easier. The factory-fitted Hannabach 600HT strings, with a carbon G3 string, contribute to the definition of the melodic register.

Recommended compatible accessories

To reproduce the original setup when replacing the strings, choose a Hannabach 600HT string set with a carbon G3 string. This set is already fitted to the instrument, making it a reliable choice for maintaining the same tension and touch reference points. A soft, non-abrasive cloth is also suitable for routine maintenance: gently wipe the strings and surface after playing, without applying any product unsuitable for the water-based varnish.

Technical specifications

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

Type	classical electro-acoustic nylon-string guitar.	Saddle	bonoïd.
Back and sides	Sapelli mahogany.	Nut	bonoïd.
Body depth	70 mm / 2.76 inches.	Tuning machines	gold-plated, with black buttons and shafts.
Body binding	ABS with red decorative binding.	Version	electro-acoustic.
Neck wood	okoumé.	Preamp	ETC-4.
Neck reinforcement	carbon.	Tone control	4-band equalizer.
Neck-to-body joint	at the 14th fret.	Tuner	built-in.
Key	ovangkol.	Brand	Manuel Rodriguez.
Key surface profile	radiused.	Model	Caballero Stage CA-PM-SE.
Nut width	48 mm / 1.89 inches.	Original strings	Hannabach 600HT, made in Germany.
Number of frets	21.	Original G string	G3 carbon.
Bridge	ovangkol.