1999 José Marín Plazuelo "Bouchet" SP/CSAR

This 1999 José Marín Plazuelo "Bouchet" is a classical guitar from Granada, Spain, with a spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides, in excellent condition with no repairs.

A Granada Classical Guitar of Outstanding Value

We consider José to be one of the finest, most consistent guitar makers in the world at anywhere near this price. His guitars have outstanding tonal qualities, are expertly made with great attention to detail, and are just plain fun to play.

The "Bouchet" Model: Antonio Marín Montero and Robert Bouchet

José’s "Bouchet" model is nearly identical to the guitar made by his well-known uncle, Antonio Marín Montero: a lighter 5-fan bracing system plus an "under bridge" brace. The top gains flexibility while keeping its structural stability, and when it is done properly – as in this Marín/Plazuelo system – the guitar gains greatly in dynamic range and tone modulation. Many regard this brace as one of the great innovations of the 20th century; it was first used by the French luthier Robert Bouchet, a friend, colleague and collaborator of Antonio Marín.

Playability, Materials and Condition

The materials are superb – the back and sides are a colorful set of CSA rosewood – and playability is a dream. It is in excellent condition, showing only some minor wear in the finish, with no repairs or damage. From one of the top Spanish luthiers, this guitar represents an excellent value for the price.

Read more: Orfeo Magazine No. 8 – The Granada School

José Marín Plazuelo: Nephew of Antonio Marín Montero

José Marín Plazuelo was born in Granada on June 13, 1960. He is the nephew of Antonio Marín Montero. In 1974, when he was just 14 years old, he started working alongside his uncle, where he and José González López learned how to build instruments. From the very beginning, José’s uncle praised his nephew’s work.

Traditional Spanish Guitars from Granada

José follows Antonio Marín’s technique and makes his guitars in the traditional Spanish way. For fifty years he made his own guitars in the Marín family workshop, beside his uncle, one of the most prestigious luthiers in the world. When Antonio retired in 2024 and closed the workshop, José and José González López moved to the center of Granada, where they now work out of Callejón Molino de San Martín 14.

José’s classical guitars are mainly inspired by the experience acquired from his uncle, while his flamenco guitars are similar to those of Francisco Simplicio (1874–1932), the legendary guitar maker from Catalonia. In 2017 José sat on the jury of the first Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition in Granada, the contest that carries his uncle’s name.