2022 Mario Aracama SP/AR

This 2022 Mario Aracama classical guitar, Mario's 10th for GSI, has an aged European spruce top and African rosewood back and sides, handmade near Granada, Spain.

Swirling African Rosewood

Lovely materials once again: an aged European spruce top, perfectly quartersawn with plenty of visible cross-grain silk, and a dramatic set of African rosewood with beautiful, swirling grain patterns for the back and sides. Mario designed the rosette and purflings, as always, to match the character of these woods.

Five Fans and a Double-Sided Body

The top has five fan struts with a bar under the bridge saddle, and the sides are lined internally with cypress, much like the Madrid concert guitars first made famous by José Ramírez in the 1960s. This double-sided build concentrates the vibration in the soundboard, for better volume and projection and a warmer sound from the box.

Sound

It plays beautifully, responding in a friendly way with a quick attack that never turns harsh, followed by a velvety, full sound. Tiny changes of right-hand position bring out a lovely range of colors. Basses are deep, trebles firm and clear, and it is very comfortable for both hands. A charming, traditional guitar full of Spanish character. The Grigoryan Brothers recorded a duet on two Aracamas, this one included (see videos).

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.