2025 Juan Fregenal SP/CY

Built by Spanish luthier Juan Fregenal, this is the actual flamenco guitar that won First Prize at the eighth Antonio Marin Montero Guitar Making Competition held in Granada, Spain in July/August, 2025 and we are extremely thrilled to have it here. Juan has been building for many years and is a seasoned and well-trained luthier building largely in the traditional Spanish style (with influences from the modern Granada school). This particular guitar is inspired by a beautiful 1921 Santos Hernandez for the rosette and insole designs. It was also modeled on the work of Marcelo Barbero, who of course became the "unofficial" successor of Santos after being hired by Santos' widow to finish several incomplete Santos guitars after his death. Therefore it's not suprising that Juan's guitar is very lightweight, with a body resonance of F# and traditional, Spanish construction. Currently the guitar is set up as a flamenco, giving it a bullet-like attack, raspy voice, and dry "bark" - this guitar could be used in solo or ensemble playing, it's extremely versatile for any flamenco setting. However, with an adjustment to the action we believe this guitar would be equally at home as a phenomenal classical as it boasts a beautiful and lyrical treble with full-sounding basses. All around great guitar - and extremely authentic traditional Spanish guitar tastefully made in every way.

Like many of his generation, Spanish luthier Juan Fregenal entered the world of music when in his early teens, initially by playing electric guitar - learning to play solos and blues, eventually learning to improvise in jazz settings, including participating in jam sessions with his other musician friends. Over time, he realized that what he was most passionate about was the "acoustic" sound of the guitar itself - the sensation of experiencing direct contact with vibrating wood and the feeling it provides, which naturally led him to the traditional Spanish guitar. From trying out different guitars, he became curious as to how luthiers could develop control over such a variety of factors like tonal colors, articulation, dynamic range and different degrees of responsiveness. In his mind, he wanted to pursue his idea of these things and so enrolled in a guitar making course at the Chacon School of Luthiery, where he made his first guitar and then decided to set up his workshop in Granada. Since this time he has befriended a local and very passionate collector who has allowed Juan to absorb the instruments in his collection. This has really helped mature Juan's appreciation and love of the sound of the guitar - particularly historical, vintange, traditional guitars. These have provided the source of inspiration that he seeks to acheive in his own instruments - delicacy balanced with great character, leaving ample room for the musician's musical ideas and without an over obsession in the pursuit of excess volume. He has also found great comraderie in a fellow Granada luthier - Francisco Jiménez (also an award winning luthier at the Granada competition) with many hours of visits and conversations about the mysteries of the guitar. After several years of working at his craft, Juan Fregenal was awarded first-prize for his flamenco guitar at the prestigious eighth Antonio Marin Montero Guitar Making Competition held in Granada, Spain in July/August, 2024. His classical guitar also made it as a finalist. We are very pleased to have met this very fine maker, and look forward to seeing many more of his guitars in the future.