2002 José López Bellido "1aF" SP/CY

This 2002 José López Bellido "1aF" is a spruce and cypress flamenco blanca – his first-class flamenco model – made in his workshop on Gomérez, the street that climbs to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

José López Bellido and the Andalusian Tradition

From one of the famous Granada workshops, José López Bellido (1943–2024) was known for both flamenco and classical guitars. Taught by his brother Manuel and advised by Eduardo Ferrer, he built guitars that capture the traditional spirit of fine handmade concert instruments made in the Andalusian region of Spain – the heartland of the Spanish guitar in general and of flamenco in particular.

A Concert-Ready Flamenco Blanca

This lightweight, lightly braced guitar has a strong bite that is matched with a subtle sweetness, which we think would make it the perfect concert-level flamenco guitar for the serious player. The guitar is in excellent condition for its age, with only some mild wear in the finish – no history of repairs or damage. Setup and playability are excellent, with low flamenco action making this blanca ready for the concert stage!

José López Bellido (1943–2024): A Granada Master

José López Bellido was born in Granada in 1943 and learned to build guitars from his brother, Manuel López Bellido, founder of the Bellido Workshop, while also seeking advice from the Granada master Eduardo Ferrer. He then set up a workshop of his own on Gomérez, the street that climbs up to the Alhambra, close to his friend, the guitar maker Rafael Moreno – and there, over several decades, he became equally respected for his flamenco and classical guitars.

Teacher and Friend

José taught many important makers, among them Antonio Raya Pardo and Bernd Martin. A wonderfully kind and generous man, he made headlines in 2021 when he won ten million euros in the lottery and shared it among sixty families in need. José passed away on May 10, 2024, at the age of 81.