2013 Antonio Marín Montero CD/IN

This 2013 Antonio Marín Montero is a cedar and Indian rosewood classical guitar from Granada, Spain – one of three near-identical guitars built for Pepe and Celin Romero and Vicente Coves, and the one dedicated to Vicente.

A Commission for the Romeros and Vicente Coves

In 2013, Antonio Marín fulfilled a commission to build a group of 3 special models in one batch. The three guitars were for Pepe and Celin Romero and their friend Vicente Coves (who has recorded for NAXOS, including some collaborations with Pepe Romero). The three guitars were to be "almost" identical – cedar tops, Indian rosewood back and sides, Miguel Rodríguez bracing (not the "Bouchet" style that Marín typically does). The reason they're "almost" identical is that Celin's guitar has a 650 mm string length – Pepe and Vicente chose 660 mm. But otherwise the guitars were built to be identical. This is the guitar (as indicated on the label) dedicated to Vicente Coves.

Sound and Playability

Being built in the Rodríguez style, the guitar has noticeably increased power compared to other Maríns we have played. The sound itself is very rich and dark, with a very mysterious, very Spanish quality to it. Although Maríns are generally known to have a very fast attack, this guitar is ultra-responsive even by Marín's standards. The neck shape is very comfortable and plays easily. Overall, a fantastic guitar by any account, with an interesting back story.

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

Antonio Marín Montero: Founder of the Modern Granada School

Antonio Marín Montero (b. 1933) is considered to be the foundational builder of the contemporary Granada school – many builders from around the world have come to Granada to work with and learn from this great maker. Born in Granada, he began as a woodworker in local cabinetmaking and marquetry workshops, among them those of Francisco Moya and Recaredo Veredas; in 1957 he joined the workshop of maestro Pérez, and in 1959, on his father's advice, he went to Eduardo Ferrer on the Cuesta de Gomérez, next to the Alhambra. With Manuel López Bellido he then ran the "Montero-Bellido" workshop, where a whole generation of Granada makers trained.

The Marín "Bouchet" and a Life of Iconic Guitars

His association with Robert Bouchet is legendary: the two became close friends after Antonio visited the Paris master in 1977, and their collaboration produced what became known as Marín's "Bouchet" model, with structural and design elements – including the famous transverse brace passing below the bridge – that clearly show Bouchet's influence. Over the decades he built some of the most iconic classical and flamenco guitars of the Granada school, working alongside his nephew José Marín Plazuelo and José González López, until he retired in 2024 and closed his workshop. The Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition, held in Granada since 2017, bears his name.