Matías Rojas and Carmen Sanzol are Argentine guitar makers from Buenos Aires who live and work in Santa Cecilia, in Italy's Val Trebbia (Coli, Piacenza). Building entirely by hand with traditional techniques and natural materials, they make flamenco, classical and multi-string guitars, and in 2024 they won Third Prize for flamenco guitar at the VII Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition in Granada.
Rojas & Sanzol at a Glance
- Makers: Matías Ezequiel Rojas and Carmen Sanzol
- Born: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Workshop: Santa Cecilia, Val Trebbia (Coli, Piacenza), Italy
- Training began: 2007, Buenos Aires
- Specialty: flamenco and multi-string guitars, from 2019
- Worked with: Rodolfo Edgardo Luis Cucculelli
- In Italy: Cremona from 2021; Suji Kim's workshop in Parma from 2023
- Prize: 3rd Prize, flamenco guitar, Granada 2024
From Buenos Aires: Guitars, Violins and Restoration
Matías Ezequiel Rojas and Carmen Sanzol were born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where they began their training as guitar makers. In 2007 they took their first serious studies in a school in the historic center of the city. After meeting there, they finished their internships and began professional activity together. In the following years they deepened their knowledge with different teachers, both in the world of guitars and of violins, taking part in various specialized seminars on lutherie – including traditional varnishes used on bowed and plucked string instruments, setups of electric and acoustic instruments, the physical and acoustic properties of woods and bracing throughout history, and the methods and materials suitable for conservative restoration. Starting in 2016, they began teaching to supplement their construction and restoration work.
An Italian Polygonal Spinet
In 2018 their research turned to the functioning of ancient keyboard instruments. In collaboration with distinguished specialists in the field, they made an "Italian Polygonal Spinet" inspired by the model of the Renaissance maker Dominicus Pisaurensis, made in 1540. From 2019 they specialized in the construction of multi-string and flamenco guitars, gaining great experience with Rodolfo Edgardo Luis Cucculelli, with whom they built a variety of instruments.
Cremona, Parma and the Val Trebbia
In 2021 they moved to Cremona, Italy, where they had the opportunity to analyze, restore and write reports on Italian guitars built in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2023 they began to frequent Suji Kim's workshop in Parma, learning the violin-making method of the Scrollavezza school. They continue to live and work in Italy, in a small town deep in the Appennino Piacentino called Santa Cecilia (like the patron saint of music), in the Val Trebbia, Coli. Their instruments are made entirely by hand with traditional construction techniques and exclusively with all-natural, organic materials.
Prize Winners in Granada
After several years of working at their craft, Matías Rojas and Carmen Sanzol were awarded Third Prize for their flamenco guitar at the prestigious VII Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition, held in Granada, Spain, from July 30 to August 1, 2024.
Rojas & Sanzol Guitars at GSI
Several Rojas & Sanzol guitars – including their prize-winning flamenco – have passed through our doors. 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 are Rojas & Sanzol?
Matías Rojas and Carmen Sanzol, two Argentine guitar makers from Buenos Aires who have worked together since meeting at guitar-making school in 2007.
Where is the Rojas & Sanzol workshop?
In Santa Cecilia, in the Val Trebbia (Coli, Piacenza), Italy.
Did Rojas & Sanzol win a prize in Granada?
Yes – Third Prize for flamenco guitar at the VII Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition in 2024.
What guitars do Rojas & Sanzol make?
Flamenco, classical and multi-string guitars, including 10-string guitars, built by hand with traditional techniques.
