Elías Bonet Monné is a Spanish classical guitar maker, born in Barcelona in 1977, who works between two workshops in Barcelona and Madrid. A former industrial designer and conservatory-trained guitarist, he learned to build guitars with Raúl Yagüe and Juan Antonio Reyes Torres, has worked as an independent luthier since 2009 and bases his traditional model on the Spanish school of Antonio de Torres. GSI is his exclusive US dealer.
At a Glance
- Born: Barcelona, 1977
- Workshops: Barcelona and Madrid, Spain
- Independent luthier: since March 2009
- Teachers: Raúl Yagüe; Juan Antonio Reyes Torres
- Historical references: Antonio de Torres; Alex van der Horst
- Model: traditional five-fan model ("Tradicional")
- Rosettes: original designs inspired by seventh-century Persian carvings
- US dealer: GSI (exclusive)
Designer, Guitarist and Trial Bike Champion
Elías Bonet Monné was born in Barcelona, Spain in 1977. He completed his studies in industrial design at the EINA Centre for Art and Design in Barcelona and graduated from the Liceu Conservatory, where he studied classical and flamenco guitar.
Elías leads a very active lifestyle. He was the world trial bike champion several times. In 2000 he co-founded Lacreativa.com, a design studio; however, 9 years later he left the field of industrial design to fully commit himself to guitar-making.
Learning from Raúl Yagüe and Juan Antonio Reyes
His work as a luthier began when destiny led him to the workshop run by the Yagüe brothers, where Raúl, the younger brother, agreed to help him fix his guitar. Very quickly, Elías became good friends with the Yagüe brothers, and when he wanted to order a guitar from Raúl, Raúl decided to teach Elías how to make one instead. This turned out to be a life-changing experience.
Elías also befriended Juan Antonio Reyes Torres, another luthier who had a great impact on his style of building. His eclectic background and a fascination with lutherie led Elías to open his own workshop in March of 2009. He has been working as an independent luthier ever since, and today divides his time between his workshops in Barcelona and Madrid.
Traditional Models in the Spirit of Torres
Elías's instruments at GSI are mostly traditional models built with five-fan bracing. He uses solid, well-aged woods and templates designed by one of his teachers, Juan A. Reyes, following the Spanish system of "closing the box from behind" – an approach that draws on two of his historical points of reference, Antonio de Torres and Alex van der Horst. His original rosettes are inspired by seventh-century Persian carvings. We're proud to be the exclusive US dealer for Elías Bonet.
Many Elías Bonet 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 does Elías Bonet build his guitars?
He works between two workshops, in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain.
Who taught Elías Bonet to build guitars?
Raúl Yagüe, the younger of the Yagüe brothers, taught him to build his first guitar, and Juan Antonio Reyes Torres also had a great impact on his style.
Where can I buy an Elías Bonet guitar in the USA?
GSI is the exclusive US dealer for Elías Bonet.
