Paco Santiago Marín is a Spanish guitar maker in Granada, a nephew and pupil of Antonio Marín Montero. Born in 1946, he joined his uncle's workshop in 1963 and opened his own in 1973, and his powerful yet lyrical concert guitars have been played by Eliot Fisk, Leo Brouwer, Ricardo Gallén and Marco Tamayo.
Paco Santiago Marín at a Glance
- Born: Granada, 1946
- Training: workshop of his uncle, Antonio Marín Montero, from 1963
- Own workshop: Granada, since 1973
- Models: "30th Aniversario", "40th Aniversario" and "50th Aniversario"
- Players: Eliot Fisk, Leo Brouwer, Ricardo Gallén, Marco Tamayo
- Featured in: Orfeo Magazine No. 8, The Granada School
A Nephew of Antonio Marín Montero
Paco Santiago Marín was born in Granada in 1946 into the family of one of the city's great guitar makers: his uncle, Antonio Marín Montero. In 1963 he joined his uncle's workshop – the shop Antonio then shared with Manuel López Bellido under the "Montero-Bellido" partnership, where a whole generation of Granada makers trained – and after ten years of learning the craft there, he opened his own workshop in Granada in 1973.
Power and a Lyrical Voice
Paco's guitars are perhaps among the most powerful of the Granada instruments, and yet they also have a very elegant, lyrical voice, with a rich, thick quality of tone across all registers. Over the years he has developed several top models named after milestones in his career – the "30th Aniversario", "40th Aniversario" and "50th Aniversario" – each with its own refinements, and he has continued to offer them ever since. Many well-known players, including Eliot Fisk, Leo Brouwer, Ricardo Gallén and Marco Tamayo, have played and recorded on his instruments.
The Next Generation
Paco is still building today. His son Luis has worked alongside him in the workshop for many years and is expected to carry the family tradition forward.
Paco Santiago Marín in Orfeo Magazine
Orfeo Magazine No. 8 – The Granada School
Paco Santiago Marín is one of the Granada makers featured in this issue.
Paco Santiago Marín Guitars at GSI
Many Paco Santiago Marín guitars, including several of his anniversary models, 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
Where does Paco Santiago Marín build his guitars?
In Granada, Spain, where he has had his own workshop since 1973.
How is Paco Santiago Marín related to Antonio Marín Montero?
He is Antonio Marín Montero's nephew, and trained in his uncle's workshop from 1963.
Who has played Paco Santiago Marín guitars?
Eliot Fisk, Leo Brouwer, Ricardo Gallén and Marco Tamayo, among others.
