2019 Mario Aracama SP/KA

This pre-owned 2019 Mario Aracama classical guitar pairs a spruce top with kamagong back and sides from the Philippines, built near Granada, Spain, and is in excellent condition.

Spruce and Philippine Kamagong

A spruce top with plenty of cross-grain silk, and back and sides of kamagong, which Mario sourced from the Philippines. Its looks fall somewhere between CSA rosewood and Makassar ebony – strong stripes fused with lighter sapwood highlights. Mario finds its higher density adds a little extra power and a "velvety" character to the sound.

Construction

Five widely fanned struts brace the top, with a thin bar under the bridge, and the sides are doubled with cypress on the interior for rigidity, power and focus. Ebony fingerboard, cedar neck.

Sound and Condition

This guitar is a pleasure to play – friendly and responsive, with an immediate but not harsh attack and a velvety (as Mario also described it), full quality of sound. Deep basses, thick and rich trebles, great clarity between voices, and very comfortable playability for both hands. Although used, it is in excellent condition with only minor wear in the finish.

Photos taken during construction

Mario Aracama: From London to Granada

Mario Aracama became captivated with the guitar at an early age and, while living in England, decided to become a luthier, attending Guildhall University in London. There he graduated in Musical Instrument Technology, specializing in traditional classical and flamenco guitars under the tutelage of David Whiteman. In 2003 he relocated to Granada, Spain, where he learned further from Antonio Marín Montero.

The Granada School and the Torres Tradition

In the following years Mario enjoyed a fruitful exchange of ideas with his friends Michael Ritchie and Jose Vigil, which has also influenced his style. True to the Granada aesthetic, Mario builds a light and vibrant instrument with lightly braced tops, based in the great Spanish tradition in the line of Torres. Every guitar built by Mario features a different, original – but very traditional and tasteful – design.

A Workshop in the Alpujarra Mountains

Today Mario lives and builds in the beautiful Alpujarra mountains near Granada. GSI is proud to be Mario's exclusive dealer in the USA.