Coming Soon: 2026 Colin Van Aelbrouck Concert Classical Guitar

We We are excited to share a first look at a new 2026 classical guitar taking shape in the workshop of Belgian luthier Colin Van Aelbrouck, built especially for Guitar Salon International. This is Colin’s Concert model, crafted with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, and it is expected to be completed in November.

A Modern Voice Rooted in Spanish Tradition

The Concert model grows out of Colin’s traditional design, based on a 1915 Manuel Ramírez. That model earned second prize in the classical category at the sixth Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition in Granada in 2023, where Colin also took first prize for flamenco guitar. Since then, he has spent considerable time experimenting with the design, refining it to meet the demands of today’s performers while preserving the character that first drew him to the Spanish guitar. His work on the Concert model has focused particularly on the treble register, producing a richer and more colorful voice with enhanced harmonics and improved sustain. As with all of Colin’s instruments, playability remains a priority, and every detail receives his meticulous attention.

In Colin's Words

“As a lover of the traditional Spanish guitar, its spontaneity and tonal colors, I realized that these instruments do not fully meet the expectations of today’s professional guitarists. That is why I introduced improvements to my traditional model, resulting in a sound that is more modern yet remains deeply rooted in the Spanish tradition.”

About Colin Van Aelbrouck

Colin Van Aelbrouck lives and works in Braine-le-Comte, a small city south of Brussels. He built his first guitar in 2011 and went on to study lutherie for five years with Karel Dedain at the CMB school (Centrum voor Muziekinstrumentenbouw) in Puurs. His work draws on the great Spanish makers of the early 20th century, including Manuel Ramírez and Santos Hernández, as well as French luthiers such as Robert Bouchet and Daniel Friederich. GSI is proud to be Colin’s exclusive dealer in the USA. We will share more photos and updates as this classical guitar progresses. If you would like to be notified when it arrives at GSI, please contact us or follow Colin on his luthier page.