Carlos Juan Busquiel is a Spanish classical guitar maker, born in 1980, who works in Petrer, in the province of Alicante. A violinist by training, he learned guitar-making from Rafael López Porras and completed his training with José Luis Romanillos, and his guitars follow the Spanish tradition of Antonio de Torres. GSI is his exclusive US dealer.
At a Glance
- Born: 1980
- Workshop: Petrer (Alicante), Spain
- Teachers: Rafael López Porras; José Luis Romanillos
- Influences: Antonio de Torres, Vicente Arias, José and Manuel Ramírez, Santos Hernández, Enrique García, Francisco Simplicio
- Construction: Spanish method, light five-fan bracing
- US dealer: GSI (exclusive)
Carlos Juan Busquiel: From Violin to Guitar
Carlos Juan Busquiel was born in 1980 and started playing the guitar at age 12, although his formal music studies at the conservatory were done on the violin. His interest in lutherie began when, self-taught, he embarked on the construction of an electric violin for personal use. It was a very simple instrument, but it helped him to enter the world of violin making. The next step was the construction of an acoustic violin, based on the "Kruse" Stradivari.
Studies with Rafael López Porras and José Luis Romanillos
It was at this time that he had the good fortune to meet luthier Rafael López Porras, who formally introduced him to the art of guitar making. Rafael was his first teacher and impressed upon Carlos the passion for building guitars in the Spanish method. From that moment on, Carlos became committed exclusively to building guitars. He completed his training with none other than the great José Luis Romanillos, in a course on the construction of a vihuela de mano directed by Jaume Bosser and assisted by Joan Pellisa. Meeting Romanillos and listening to his advice was a decisive step for Carlos in developing his concept of the Spanish guitar and its traditional construction features, based on the designs of Antonio de Torres. Later, José Luis Romanillos also gave advice to Carlos during the construction of a Torres replica.
His Workshop in Petrer, Alicante
Carlos has had the good fortune to evaluate many other master guitars from the likes of Vicente Arias, José and Manuel Ramírez, Santos Hernández, Enrique García, Francisco Simplicio and others, which has also been decisive in the development of his personal style. Carlos works in Petrer, a town in the province of Alicante in eastern Spain, where he lives with his wife and two children.
The Busquiel Sound
Carlos braces his guitars lightly in the Spanish manner, and what we love about them is the firmness of every note – weighty trebles and basses that still leave room for great clarity – together with a lush, traditional sound that suits music from the Renaissance to today. We're proud to be his exclusive US dealer.
Many Carlos Juan Busquiel guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You'll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the "Guitars In Stock" button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the "Guitars In Museum" button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Carlos Juan Busquiel's workshop?
In Petrer, a town in the province of Alicante in eastern Spain.
Who taught Carlos Juan Busquiel?
His first teacher was Rafael López Porras, and he completed his training with José Luis Romanillos.
Where can I buy a Carlos Juan Busquiel guitar in the USA?
GSI is the exclusive US dealer for Carlos Juan Busquiel.
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