2011 José Marín Plazuelo "Bouchet" CD/CSAR

This 2011 José Marín Plazuelo "Bouchet" is a cedar-top classical guitar with CSA rosewood back and sides, made in Granada, Spain, and free of repairs or damage.

A Cedar-Top Classical Guitar by José Marín Plazuelo

Few guitar makers anywhere match José’s consistency at anywhere near this price, and we count him among the finest. Outstanding tonal qualities, great attention to detail – and his guitars are just plain fun to play. They follow in the tradition of Santos and Barbero, being lightweight for the body size.

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

This "Bouchet" model is nearly identical to the guitar made by his well-known uncle, Antonio Marín Montero. Underneath, a lighter 5-fan bracing system works with an "under bridge" brace, giving the top more flexibility while it keeps its structural stability; done properly, as in this Marín/Plazuelo system, this greatly increases the instrument’s dynamic range and tone modulation. Many regard it as one of the great innovations of the 20th century, first used by the French luthier Robert Bouchet – a friend, colleague and co-developer of this model with Antonio Marín.

Playability and Condition

Playability is a dream, and the materials are superb, including a stunning set of CSA rosewood for the back and sides. Condition is excellent, with only some minor wear in the finish – no repairs or damage. Plazuelo is one of the top Spanish luthiers, and this cedar 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.