2013 Marcelino López "Romantic Guitar" SP/PR

This 2013 Marcelino López Nieto "Romantic Guitar" is a 19th-century style guitar in spruce and palo rosa (pink rosewood), made in Madrid, Spain, with fine inlay of mixed woods, pearl and bone – in virtually like-new condition.

A Romantic-Era Guitar, Richly Inlaid

Among the many period instruments he made on pre-Torres designs, Marcelino built Romantic guitars like this one. Made in 2013, it is meticulously built, with a large degree of subtle ornamentation throughout – the inlay work in the tie block of the bridge, the nut and even the fingerboard is astonishing in its use of mixed woods, mother-of-pearl and bone. Even the head features a beautifully decorated pearl piece resting on top of the palo rosa (pink rosewood) veneer – this wood is also used for the back and sides.

Sound and Condition

Although a more compact body size than a contemporary "full-sized" guitar, it is very comfortable and easy to play and has surprisingly large volume. A very charming sound, perfect for getting closer to the authentic sound of the music of Sor, Giuliani, Aguado, Legnani, Diabelli, Carulli and Coste. The guitar is in virtually like-new condition with no damage or repairs and is concert-ready for any performance situation – a fantastic "period instrument" by one of Spain's most enduring and experienced legends. Includes a custom hardshell case perfectly fitted to the dimensions of the instrument.

Read more: Orfeo Magazine No. 3 – interview with Marcelino López Nieto · Orfeo No. 3 on our blog · our 2008 interview with Marcelino

Marcelino López Nieto (1931–2018): Guitar Maker of Madrid

The late Marcelino López Nieto was one of Spain's most respected guitar makers of the 20th century. He was originally a performer of the guitar – a student of Daniel Fortea, who was himself a pupil of Tárrega – and his professional background was in cabinetmaking, so the move to guitar making came naturally, as it has for so many builders throughout history. After the death of Santos Hernández in 1943 he befriended Santos' widow, Matilde Ruiz López, and was able to spend time in the Santos workshop before setting up his own shop in 1949, at the age of 18. He also worked with Hernández y Aguado in the early 1970s and built several "Hernández y Aguado" models over the years.

Small-Bodied Guitars in the Tradition of Torres

Although a Madrid maker, Marcelino never fell under the shadow of the larger, sturdier guitars of the Ramírez school. He always preferred to build in the traditional style of Antonio de Torres and the southern Spanish makers – a smaller body without double sides, mostly spruce tops and a French polish finish. Alongside his classical and flamenco guitars he also built historical instruments, from vihuelas, lutes and Baroque and Romantic guitars to violins, many of them after originals in his own large collection.