Manuel de la Chica (1911–1998) was a Granada guitar maker – arguably the greatest from Granada to date – whose light, Spanish-sounding classical and flamenco guitars are often compared to those of Santos Hernández and Marcelo Barbero.
Manuel de la Chica at a Glance
- Born: 1911
- Died: 1998
- Workshop: Placeta de la Sillería, 8, Granada, Spain
- Background: cabinetmaker; turned to guitar making in the late 1930s
- Influences: Santos Hernández, Marcelo Barbero
- Known for: featherlight flamenco blancas and classical guitars that serve both styles
- Played by: Andrés Segovia, Celedonio Romero, Pepe Romero, Frederick Noad
- Students: Antonio Marín Montero
- Retired: 1973
From Cabinetmaker to Guitar Maker
De la Chica’s early professional background was in cabinet making, as is the case for countless other fine guitar makers. His focus shifted to guitar making in the late 1930s, when he had seen and become attracted to the Spanish guitar, primarily those of Santos Hernández. He labelled himself “constructor de violines y guitarras”, and his labels – with a view of the Alhambra framed by Moorish arches – come from his workshop at Placeta de la Sillería, 8, in Granada. He signed every label by hand and often added the month beside the year.
The Santos and Barbero Tradition
His instruments are often compared to the later guitars of Marcelo Barbero (who assisted in the construction of several Santos guitars left partially built at the time of Santos’s death), which we feel is a very strong and fair comparison. Like Santos and Barbero, De la Chica was at home building both classical and flamenco guitars, and his finer instruments have the flexibility of being played in either style – a lyrical, singing quality that can bite if pushed, very light weight and piercing volume. His flamenco blancas are featherlight, with a huge, raspy sound and great flamenco bark. He also experimented: according to Antonio Marín Montero, his student and friend, he was very interested in Robert Bouchet’s under-bridge bracing and tried it in his own guitars.
Retirement and Rediscovery
In 1973 he was forced into early retirement due to health complications from inhaling dust and chemicals in his taller. From then until his death in 1998, his instruments fell into relative obscurity; renewed interest in recent decades and a re-evaluation of his work have since convinced many that his contribution, skill and insight into the art of guitar making establish him as one of the great makers of all time.
Manuel de la Chica Guitars at GSI
Many Manuel de la Chica guitars have passed through our doors over the years – among them the 1953 “Coral” owned by Pepe Romero and the 1964 that belonged to Frederick Noad. 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 Manuel de la Chica?
A guitar maker from Granada, Spain (1911–1998), a former cabinetmaker who built classical and flamenco guitars from the late 1930s until 1973.
Why did Manuel de la Chica stop building guitars?
In 1973 he was forced to retire because of health problems caused by inhaling dust and chemicals in his workshop.
Are De la Chica guitars classical or flamenco?
Both – his finer instruments can be played in either style, and he also built featherlight flamenco blancas.
Who is De la Chica compared to?
Santos Hernández and especially the later guitars of Marcelo Barbero.
