Remembering Manuel Velazquez

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Manuel Velazquez, one of the great luthiers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Manuel Velazquez was born in Puerto Rico in 1917 and opened his first shop in New York in 1941. He was perhaps the greatest American luthier to build in the European tradition, and his guitars yield nothing in craftsmanship or sound to his Spanish or German contemporaries. He has passed on his knowledge and love for this style to his son, Alfredo, who continues in his father’s footsteps.

We have always been big fans of Velazquez’ guitars – he was one of the best champions of the traditional style of guitar making in US and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.