Sneak Peek: Gao Yi's Newest Flamenco Negra for GSI

We're excited to share some exclusive sneak peek photos of a stunning new flamenco negra guitar built by Chinese luthier Gao Yi. We're thrilled to offer this first look as the guitar nears completion. Check out the photos below! The materials used are spruce for the soundboard and Indian rosewood for the back and sides.

About Gao Yi

Gao Yi's background with the classical guitar goes back many years, when his interest as a player earned him music degrees from both Jining University and the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. He also earned top prizes in several competitions, including first prize in the 2000 Chinese Competition. His interest in guitar making was sparked in 2002 while working with Yamaha in the marketing division, and his experience playing the guitars of Antonio Marín led him to embrace the Granada style. He traveled several times to Granada to receive advice and support from Antonio Marín himself, and to study with René Baarslag in his workshop just outside Granada.

After several years of working at his craft, Gao Yi was awarded first prize for his flamenco guitar at the prestigious seventh Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Making Competition held in Granada, Spain in July/August 2024. His classical guitar also made it as a finalist.

If you'd like to learn more about Gao Yi, check out the video below.