2024 José Marín Plazuelo "Bouchet" SP/CSAR

This 2024 José Marín Plazuelo “Bouchet” is a classical guitar with a spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides, made in Granada, Spain.

One of the Finest Values in Spanish Guitar Making

We consider this maker to be one of the finest, most consistent guitar makers in the world at anywhere near this price. His guitars have outstanding tonal qualities, are expertly made with great attention to detail, and are just plain fun to play.

The “Bouchet” Model: Antonio Marín Montero and Robert Bouchet

This is a “Bouchet” model nearly identical to the guitar made by his well-known uncle, Antonio Marín Montero, which features the lighter 5-fan bracing system and “under bridge” brace. This increases the flexibility of the top while maintaining structural stability, and when done properly (as in this Marín/Plazuelo system), it greatly increases the dynamic range and tone modulation of the instrument. It is regarded by many as one of the great innovations of the 20th century, first used by the French luthier Robert Bouchet, who was a friend, colleague and collaborator of Antonio Marín.

Playability, Materials and Condition

Playability is a dream, and the materials are superb, including a colorful set of CSA rosewood for the back and sides. Condition is excellent, with only some minor wear in the finish – no repairs or damage. Plazuelo is one of the top Spanish luthiers, and this guitar represents an excellent value for the price.

Orfeo Magazine #8 – The Granada School

José Marín Plazuelo: Nephew of Antonio Marín Montero

José Marín Plazuelo was born in Granada on June 13, 1960. He is the nephew of Antonio Marín Montero. In 1974, when he was just 14 years old, he started working alongside his uncle, where he and José González López learned how to build instruments. From the very beginning, José’s uncle praised his nephew’s work.

Traditional Spanish Guitars from Granada

José follows Antonio Marín’s technique and makes his guitars in the traditional Spanish way. For fifty years he made his own guitars in the Marín family workshop, beside his uncle, one of the most prestigious luthiers in the world. When Antonio retired in 2024 and closed the workshop, José and José González López moved to the center of Granada, where they now work out of Callejón Molino de San Martín 14.

José’s classical guitars are mainly inspired by the experience acquired from his uncle, while his flamenco guitars are similar to those of Francisco Simplicio (1874–1932), the legendary guitar maker from Catalonia. In 2017 José sat on the jury of the first Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition in Granada, the contest that carries his uncle’s name.