1963 Marcelino Lopez SP/CSAR

Marcelino López Nieto is one of Spain's most respected living builders. He was originally a performer of the guitar, and had been a student of Daniel Fortea (who was himself a pupil of Tarrega). His professional background was initially in cabinetmaking, so given his skill set, it was a natural transition to guitar making, a path taken by many builders throughout history. He befriended Mathilde Ruiz (the widow of Santos Hernandez) after the passing of Santos in 1943, and was able to spend time in his workshop before setting up his own shop in 1947. He is also known for having worked with Hernandez y Aguado in the early 1970's and has since built several "Hernandez y Aguado" models over the years. Although a Madrid maker, Marcelino Lopez has never allowed himself to fall under the shadow of the style of the larger, sturdier guitars of the Ramirez school, and has always built in the traditional style of Torres, keeping to the smaller body design without the use of double sides, and mostly building spruce tops, with French polish finish.

This guitar, made in 1963 is a great example of the style he triumphed. Condition is excellent for a guitar of this age. Apart from the common hairline cracks along the side of the fingerboard (just repaired by Yuris Zeltins), the guitar has no damage or repairs. It is concert ready for any performance situation. This is a fantastic example by one of Spain's most enduring and experienced living legends.

Orfeo Magazine: Marcelino Lopez NietoInterview: Marcelino López Nieto