The Alhambra CrossOver CS-LR CW E1 is built for nylon-string players who want the warmth of a Spanish guitar with a more approachable, modern fretting-hand feel. Its narrower neck and cutaway are particularly attractive to musicians transitioning from a steel-string or electric guitar. A solid cedar top, Indian rosewood back and sides and factory-installed Fishman Clasica M electronics make it useful for both practice and performance.
Cedar-top sound with comfortable crossover body
The solid cedar soundboard provides a responsive foundation for expressive fingerstyle, chord accompaniment and melodic nylon-string playing. Indian rosewood back and sides contribute to the guitar’s warm, balanced character. The crossover design and cutaway help players reach higher notes while offering a less traditional body and neck feel than a standard flat-fingerboard classical guitar.
Narrower neck and adjustable truss rod
Alhambra specifies a samanguila neck with a truss rod and rosewood fingerboard. The more accessible neck profile can feel familiar to guitarists coming from other instrument types, while the adjustable truss rod gives a qualified technician more control over relief and action. As on any nylon-string guitar, the final playing experience depends on correct string height and a comfortable setup.
Fishman Clasica M E1 electronics
The factory E1 system uses a Sonicore Classical undersaddle pickup and Fishman Clasica M preamp. Controls include volume, three-band EQ and a phase switch, with an integrated chromatic tuner and low-battery indicator. The electronics are powered by a 9V battery. This is different from the premium E8 Flex M Blend system of the CS-3, which includes an internal microphone.
Who should choose the CS-LR CW E1?
This guitar is a strong fit for jazz, Latin, pop and contemporary acoustic players who prefer nylon strings but find a traditional classical neck too wide. It is also practical for performers who want straightforward pickup amplification and onboard tuning. Barbad lists a case with the instrument; confirm the case configuration before delivery. Barbad Musical Instruments can help with compatible accessories in the UAE.
Crossover CS-LR CW E1 — verified specification summary
| Instrument | Alhambra CrossOver CS-LR CW E1, cutaway nylon-string electro-classical |
|---|---|
| Top | Solid cedar |
| Back and sides | Indian rosewood; manufacturer’s current page does not specify all-solid construction |
| Neck and fingerboard | Samanguila neck with adjustable truss rod; rosewood fingerboard |
| Electronics | Fishman Clasica M (E1), Sonicore Classical undersaddle pickup |
| Onboard controls | Volume, bass/mid/treble EQ, phase switch, chromatic tuner, low-battery indicator |
| Preamp power | 9V battery in the preamp compartment |
Questions before choosing this crossover
Is the CS-LR a steel-string acoustic guitar?
No. Its modern neck feel is intended to appeal to players familiar with steel-string or electric guitars, but this is a nylon-string instrument. Use classical-guitar-compatible strings and accessories.
Are its rosewood back and sides solid?
Alhambra specifies Indian rosewood but does not clearly label the back and sides as solid wood on the current manufacturer product page. Do not assume all-solid construction from the wood name alone.
Is a case included with the exact Barbad guitar?
The Barbad product title lists a case, but its exact type and contents should be checked against the offered unit before arranging delivery.
Manufacturer source: Alhambra CrossOver CS-LR CW E1.
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