Lucas Martin (b. 1984) is a classical and flamenco guitar maker in Granada, Spain, and the son of the late Bernd Martin. He has built guitars in the family workshop at the top of the Sacromonte since 2006, on his father's models but with a character of his own, and in 2023 he completed his 100th guitar.
Lucas Martin at a Glance
- Born: 1984
- In Granada: since 1986
- First guitar: 2002, while still in high school
- Education: degree in electronic engineering
- Workshop: the Martin family workshop, Sacromonte, Granada (since 2006)
- Teacher: his father, Bernd Martin
- Builds: classical and flamenco guitars
- Milestone: his 100th guitar, in 2023
Following His Father into the Workshop
Lucas Martin was born in 1984 and has lived in Granada since 1986. At a very young age he was attracted to the work of his father, Bernd Martin, and in 2002 he built his first guitar while still in high school. After completing his degree in electronic engineering he joined his father's workshop in the Sacromonte in 2006, and he still builds there today.
His Father's Models, His Own Character
Lucas makes guitars based on his father's models, which were developed and perfected over more than 40 years, and he is fortunate to have access to woods that have been carefully selected and aged over the course of decades. Yet his guitars have a character of their own – the headstock is slightly different in shape, the mosaic and inlays are similar but not exactly the same, and they possess a quality and character of sound that are also distinct. They are a perfect example of what the Granada guitar style is all about: easy to play, light, lyrical and traditional.
Duende in the Sacromonte
The flamenco guitar has special significance for Lucas – "duende" is everywhere in the Sacromonte, and Bernd Martin's wife is a flamenco dancer and singer – and his instruments are appreciated by professionals as fonts of inspiration.
Lucas Martin Guitars at GSI
During his father's lifetime GSI was the exclusive US dealer for Bernd and Lucas Martin, and many Lucas Martin guitars – classical and flamenco – 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 is Lucas Martin?
A Granada guitar maker, born in 1984, and the son of Bernd Martin, the first foreign guitar maker to settle in Granada.
Where is Lucas Martin's workshop?
In the Martin family workshop at the top of the Sacromonte in Granada, Spain, where he has worked since 2006.
How are Lucas Martin guitars different from his father's?
They follow Bernd's models but have a slightly different headstock, similar but not identical mosaics and inlays, and their own character of sound.
When did Lucas Martin build his first guitar?
In 2002, while still in high school; his 100th followed in 2023.
