The IX International Guitar Building Competition “Antonio Marín Montero” will take place in Granada from July 30 to August 1, 2026, as part of the Granada Guitar Festival. The competition will once again feature both classical and flamenco guitars, welcoming makers from around the world.

As in previous years, Guitar Salon International (GSI) and the GSI Foundation will participate as official collaborators. David Collett, President of Guitar Salon International, will serve on the international jury, helping select the winning instruments.

The competition emphasizes traditional Spanish guitar making, with the jury evaluating not only sound and playability, but also construction quality and finishing details, including interior workmanship. Only fully handmade instruments built in the traditional style are eligible.

This event offers a valuable opportunity for luthiers to present their work to an international audience and for guitar enthusiasts to experience outstanding level of craftsmanship. Prize-winning guitars will be featured through Guitar Salon International as part of the awards.

Click the button below to learn more about the competition, rules, and registration details.
Application deadline: July 20, 2026.

Jury:

Director: Mr. Vicente Coves. International concert artist. President of the European Guitar Foundation

Presidents:

Classical: Mr. José Marín Plazuelo. World famous guitar maker.
Flamenco: Mr. Manuel Cáceres. World famous guitar maker.

Members:

Mr. Yuris Zeltins. World famous guitar maker.                                                                                                   
Mr. Javier Mengual. World-renowned guitar maker. Luthier en Alhambra Guitarras.
Mr. Edmund Blöchinger. World-renowned guitar maker.
Mr. José González López. World-renowned guitar maker.
Mr. David Collett. President of Guitar Salon International in Los Ángeles.
Classical guitarist: María Esther Guzmán. International Concert Artist.
Flamenco guitarrist: Paco Serrano. International Flamenco Concert Artist. Catedrático de Guitarra Flamenca del Conservatorio Superior de Música de Córdoba
 

Secretary: Mr. Alberto Cuéllar. Guitarrist & Ceo of Jitamen