Marcelo Barbero Hijo (c. 1944–1946 to 2007) was a Madrid flamenco and classical guitar maker, the only son of Marcelo Barbero. Trained by his father's pupil and successor, Arcángel Fernández, he built his guitars in Arcángel's workshop for his entire career.
At a Glance
- Born: c. 1944–1946, Madrid, Spain
- Died: 2007
- Father: Marcelo Barbero (c. 1904–1956)
- Trained: By Arcángel Fernández, his father's only pupil
- Workshop: Arcángel Fernández's workshop, Lavapiés quarter, Madrid
- Label: "Construida por Marcelo Barbero (Hijo) para casa Arcángel Fernández"
- Builds: Flamenco guitars and some classicals
The Son of Marcelo Barbero
Marcelo Hijo was only about twelve when his father, the great flamenco maker Marcelo Barbero, died in March 1956, so he never had the chance to work with him. Arcángel Fernández, who had been his father's assistant and only real pupil, took the boy into his new workshop a couple of blocks from the old Barbero shop in Lavapiés, and became both a father and a maestro to him, teaching him the same art he had learned from the elder Barbero.
Guitars Built for the "House of Arcángel Fernández"
For the rest of his life Marcelo Hijo built at the bench next to Arcángel's. His guitars carry their own label – "Construida por Marcelo Barbero (Hijo) para casa Arcángel Fernández" – and they were made from the same materials, to the same design and to the master's specifications and approval, during the years when many say Arcángel built his greatest flamencos. They are light and fast, with a dark, raspy and powerful mid-century sound; his rarer rosewood classicals keep that flamenco fire while adding the warmth of a fine classical, and players often compare them to the guitars of Miguel Rodríguez.
Marcelo Barbero Hijo Guitars at GSI
Many Marcelo Barbero Hijo guitars have passed through our doors over the years, including one from the Russell Cleveland collection. 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 Marcelo Barbero Hijo?
A Madrid guitar maker (c. 1944–1946 to 2007), the son of Marcelo Barbero, who built flamenco and classical guitars in the workshop of Arcángel Fernández.
Did Marcelo Barbero Hijo work with his father?
No. He was a boy when his father died in 1956; he was trained by his father's pupil, Arcángel Fernández, and worked with him for decades.
What does the label in a Marcelo Barbero Hijo guitar say?
"Construida por Marcelo Barbero (Hijo) para casa Arcángel Fernández" – built by Marcelo Barbero (son) for the house of Arcángel Fernández.
