Manuel Rodriguez Estudio Épicéa 7/8 Gloss

An Estudio designed for learning in a 7/8 format

The Manuel Rodriguez Estudio Épicéa 7/8 is an acoustic classical guitar designed to support the musician’s practice. Its intermediate size meets a specific need: retaining the familiar feel of a classical guitar while offering more accessible dimensions than a 4/4 model. It is therefore a relevant option when the comfort of a full-size guitar is not yet suitable, or simply when a more compact instrument makes practicing easier.

This version combines a restrained appearance with practical features: chrome tuners, ABS binding and glossy body finishing. The neck, meanwhile, has a matte finishing. The presence of a dual-action truss rod allows its curvature to be adjusted if necessary; this adjustment should preferably be entrusted to a professional to preserve a good balance between comfort and the absence of unwanted buzzing.

Learn classical guitar without dealing with an overly long neck

This model is primarily aimed at beginner and intermediate guitarists looking for a 7/8 classical guitar. It may suit young students as well as adults who prefer a shorter scale length. However, the choice should be based on the player’s build and playing position rather than on age alone. With its 630 mm / 24.80" scale length, this Estudio reduces the distances to cover on the key compared with a longer scale length.

The 50 mm / 1.97" width at the nut preserves appreciable spacing between the strings for working on chords, arpeggios and finger independence. Classical repertoire, study pieces, accompanied melodies and song arrangements naturally find their place on this instrument. Its compact size does not eliminate the need for good posture, but it can make regular practice sessions more comfortable.

A spruce top for enhanced articulation

The spruce top generally promotes a clear response, with a well-defined attack and good note separation. This character is useful for hearing the individual voices of an arpeggio precisely or identifying the nuances between different ways of plucking a string. The okoumé back and sides complement this acoustic construction, whose sonic result also depends on the instrument’s assembly and setup.

The 7/8 format prioritizes playability here. Projection and sustain remain dependent on the overall craftsmanship, the strings and the player’s technique: an attack near the bridge further emphasizes precision, while playing closer to the key softens the tone. This range of colours allows players to discover the essential contrasts of classical technique, without built-in electronics or amplification being necessary for daily practice.

The key and bridge are made from Blackwood Tek. The nut and saddle are made from ABS, while the 19 nickel-silver frets provide the markers needed for progressing along the neck. Proper adjustment of the string height remains essential for making the most of this format’s comfort, particularly when learning barre chords.

Recommended compatible accessories

When replacing the strings, choose a set designed for classical guitar with nylon strings, preferably with normal tension to maintain a flexible feel. Do not use steel strings intended for folk guitar. A soft, non-abrasive cloth is suitable for routine maintenance of the glossy body and matte neck. For a gig bag or case, check the instrument’s actual dimensions: the mere “7/8” designation does not guarantee a proper fit.

Technical specifications

Format	7/8	Fingerboard	Blackwood
Left handed	No	Neck Type	Glued
Cutaway	No	Electroacoustic	No
Strings	nylon	Color	Natural
Nbr of strings	6	Finishing	Glossy
Top	Spruce	Hardware	Chromed
Back&Sides	Okoumé

Type	acoustic classical guitar.	Fret material	nickel silver.
Soundboard top	spruce.	Scale length	630 mm / 24.80 inches.
Back and sides	okoumé.	Nut width	50 mm / 1.97 inches.
Binding	ABS.	Bridge	Blackwood Tek.
Body finishing	environmentally friendly, water-based high-gloss varnish.	Nut	ABS.
Neck wood	okoumé.	Saddle	ABS.
Neck reinforcement	double-action truss rod, featured on the 7/8 and 4/4 sizes in this series.	Tuners	chrome.
Neck finishing	matte.	Brand	Manuel Rodriguez.
Key	Blackwood Tek.	Range	Estudio.
Number of frets	19.	Version	Gloss Spruce, 7/8 size.