2023 German Vázquez Rubio "Solista" No. 31923 SP/IN

This 2023 German Vázquez Rubio “Solista” No. 31923 is a classical guitar with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in Los Angeles, California; Marina Tomei plays Mario Parodi in the video above.

Why the “Solista” Sounds Warmer

German developed the “Solista” to bring the bracing of his top, elite models to a concert guitar of simpler design. Its effect is a fuller tone – especially in the trebles – and a warm sound across the whole register. The system was so well received in the elite models that German introduced it in this simpler design, keeping the same high standard of sound – Indian rosewood for the back and sides in place of more exotic woods, and less ornate inlay work.

Playing It

With its very comfortable neck it plays effortlessly, and there is plenty of power for solo or ensemble playing in any concert setting. A 20th fret gives the high C natural. Normally the back and sides of this model are lacquered, but this particular guitar has been French polished throughout. No. 31923 is written on the label, which is dated 2023 and signed by German. All in, this is a very versatile and strong instrument by any standard.

In the Video Above

Marina Tomei plays Mario Parodi’s “Preludio No. 1: Al borde de una fuente” on a 2023 G.V. Rubio.

German Vázquez Rubio: Early Years in Paracho, Mexico

German Vázquez Rubio (also known as G.V. Rubio) has been making guitars since 1968 – over fifty years – and has developed his own signature sound that guitarists have come to love. He was born in 1952 in Paracho, Mexico, where there is an abundance of fine luthiers (with few exceptions, all of the finest guitars in Mexico come from Paracho). German’s first formal training began at eleven years old, when he left school to help support his seven siblings and went to work in the workshop of his uncle, Manuel Rubio. There, even at his young age, he made a conscious effort to make guitar building his life’s work.

“Desde 1968”

In 1968, at the age of sixteen, he made his first concert-level guitar (hence his label reads “Desde 1968”). German has since been able to learn from many different master builders such as Félix Manzanero, José Romanillos and Thomas Humphrey. He now resides in Los Angeles, California, where he builds a variety of both classical and flamenco models. He is also the maker of the real-life guitar from the Disney/Pixar film Coco – you can read more in our article on German Vázquez Rubio and the real Coco guitar.

First Prize in Mexico

In 2000, German won First Place at the Concurso Nacional de Constructores y Ejecutantes de Guitarras, Mexico’s national guitar-making competition.