Yuris Zeltins is a Latvian-born American guitar maker and restorer, founder of the Blue Guitar in San Diego in 1961, a master of French polishing and restorer of historic guitars from Torres to Hauser. Now semi-retired near Seville, he sits every year on the jury of the Antonio Marín Montero guitar-making competition in Granada.
At a Glance
- Born: Latvia; came to the USA as a child
- First guitar: 1960
- Workshop: The Blue Guitar, San Diego (founded 1961); now semi-retired near Seville, Spain
- Known for: Restoration and French polishing; rescued Pepe Romero's 1973 Miguel Rodríguez "La Wonderful"
- Jury: Antonio Marín Montero competition, Granada – every year, including 2026
From Sabicas to the Blue Guitar
Yuris Zeltins was born in Latvia and came to the United States as a young child. His interest in classical and flamenco guitars was first stirred by the music of Agustín Castellón "Sabicas". Unable to afford a suitable instrument, in 1960 he decided to build a guitar of his own, based on a design he saw pictured on a record album cover – and the rest is history. In the years that followed he performed with several flamenco groups. His passion for the guitar led him to devote his life to the construction, repair and restoration of stringed instruments, especially the Spanish classical and flamenco guitar. He has also spent over sixty years studying French polishing, in its many forms, as a practical, philosophical and meditative discipline.
Restorer of Historic Guitars
Over the years Yuris has been entrusted with the restoration of many guitars of historical significance, from Torres to Hauser. Most notably, he rescued from utter destruction the famous 1973 Miguel Rodríguez "La Wonderful", the beloved concert guitar of Pepe Romero. Many of the vintage guitars in our museum carry his repairs and polish.
Semi-Retired in Spain – and on the Granada Jury
Yuris kept his workshop at the Blue Guitar in San Diego, which he founded in 1961, until his retirement and move to southern Spain, where he lives just outside Seville and still works part-time on Spanish classical and flamenco guitars. Every year, including 2026, he serves on the jury of the Antonio Marín Montero guitar-making competition in Granada (the 2026 results).
Video: What Does a Luthier Do?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Yuris Zeltins?
A Latvian-born American guitar maker and restorer, founder of the Blue Guitar in San Diego (1961), now semi-retired near Seville and a jury member of the Granada guitar-making competition.
What is Yuris Zeltins known for?
Restoring historic guitars – including Pepe Romero's 1973 Miguel Rodríguez "La Wonderful" – and his mastery of French polishing.
