José Oribe (c. 1933–2026) was a classical guitar maker from Vista, California, who began building in 1962 and became one of the great American luthiers of the past sixty years. His flagship "Gran Suprema", introduced in 1987 for his 25th anniversary, is often compared to the finest Madrid guitars of Ramírez, Contreras and Bernabé. He died on August 18, 2026, at the age of 93.
At a Glance
- Died: August 18, 2026, aged 93
- Workshop: Vista, California
- Building since: 1962
- Flagship model: the "Gran Suprema" (introduced 1987)
- Author of: The Fine Guitar
- Known for: fine materials, often western red cedar tops; a big, deep and rich Madrid-style tone with great volume
- Played by: pedagogue Aaron Shearer; Scott Tennant (LA Guitar Quartet) owned a 1987 Gran Suprema
A Veteran North American Builder
José Oribe began making guitars in 1962 and, alongside the late Manuel Velázquez, became one of North America's most influential luthiers of his generation. He came to guitar making from a trade: as a young machinist he discovered the classical guitar, became a fine player, and then turned his precision with tools and tolerances to building instruments. For decades he built in his home workshop in Vista, California, and he shared his knowledge widely, including in his book The Fine Guitar.
The "Gran Suprema"
Oribe's "Gran Suprema" was introduced in 1987 to celebrate his 25th anniversary in guitar making. It became his flagship model and has been compared often to the finest Madrid-style instruments (Ramírez, Contreras, Bernabé, etc.) in its tonal and structural characteristics. Oribe was famous for his fine materials – often a western red cedar soundboard with beautiful, carefully chosen tonewoods – and his guitars have a big, deep and rich tone with great volume, making them particularly strong instruments for live performance.
In Memoriam
José Oribe passed away on August 18, 2026, at the age of 93. Generations of concert artists and teachers sought out his guitars – among them the celebrated pedagogue Aaron Shearer – and his work continues to be treasured by players and collectors around the world. Read our tribute to José Oribe.
José Oribe Guitars at GSI
Many José Oribe guitars have passed through our doors over the years, including Gran Supremas once owned by Scott Tennant and by Stephen Paul ("Esteban"). 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 was José Oribe?
A classical guitar maker from Vista, California (c. 1933–2026), who built from 1962 and was one of the great American luthiers of his generation.
What is the Oribe "Gran Suprema"?
His flagship model, introduced in 1987 for his 25th anniversary in guitar making and often compared to the great Madrid guitars.
Who played José Oribe guitars?
Among many others the pedagogue Aaron Shearer, and Scott Tennant, who owned a 1987 Gran Suprema.
When did José Oribe die?
On August 18, 2026, at the age of 93.
