José López Bellido (1943–2024) was a Spanish guitar maker in Granada, respected equally for his flamenco and classical guitars. The brother of Manuel López Bellido, founder of the Bellido Workshop, he learned the craft from Manuel and then ran his own separate workshop on Gomérez, below the Alhambra, where he taught makers such as Antonio Raya Pardo and Bernd Martin.
José López Bellido at a Glance
- Born: 1943, Granada, Spain
- Died: May 10, 2024, at the age of 81
- Workshop: his own, on Gomérez, Granada
- Trained by: his brother Manuel López Bellido, with advice from Eduardo Ferrer
- Pupils: Antonio Raya Pardo, Bernd Martin and many others
- Builds: flamenco and classical guitars
- Family: brother of Manuel, uncle of Jesús and Mauricio Bellido
- Featured in: Orfeo Magazine No. 8, The Granada School
Learning the Craft from His Brother Manuel
José was born in Granada in 1943. His brother Manuel had begun building guitars in 1957 under the guidance of Eduardo Ferrer, and José learned the craft from him, also seeking Ferrer's advice. In those years Manuel shared a shop with Antonio Marín Montero – the partnership behind the "Montero-Bellido" label – and José was one of the young makers who passed through their doors as apprentices.
A Workshop of His Own on Gomérez
José went on to set up his own workshop on Gomérez, the street that climbs from the center of Granada up to the Alhambra, close to his friend, the guitar maker Rafael Moreno. He worked there for decades and became known and respected equally for his flamenco and classical guitars, including his "1aF" first-class flamenco model – instruments that capture the traditional spirit of fine handmade guitars from Andalusia, the heartland of the Spanish guitar and of flamenco.
Teacher of a Generation
Like his brother, José passed on what he knew. Among the many makers he taught were Antonio Raya Pardo, who began as his apprentice in 1972 and went on to build nearly 600 guitars of his own, and Bernd Martin.
A Generous Spirit
José was a wonderfully kind and generous man. In 2021, during the pandemic, he made headlines when he won ten million euros in the lottery and shared it among sixty families facing hardship. He passed away on May 10, 2024, at the age of 81 – you can read more in our In Memoriam post.
José López Bellido in Orfeo Magazine
Orfeo Magazine No. 8 – The Granada School
The Bellido family is featured in this issue on the makers of the Granada school.
José López Bellido Guitars at GSI
Many José López Bellido guitars, flamenco and classical, 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
Who taught José López Bellido?
His brother, Manuel López Bellido, with advice from Eduardo Ferrer.
Where was José López Bellido's workshop?
On Gomérez, the street that climbs up to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain – separate from the Bellido Workshop run by his brother Manuel.
Who were José López Bellido's pupils?
Antonio Raya Pardo and Bernd Martin, among many others.
When did José López Bellido die?
On May 10, 2024, at the age of 81.
