2026 Federico Jiang "Arias" SP/MP

Built by Chinese luthier Xiaoqing "Federico" Jiang, this guitar - inspired by the great virtuosity of Vicente Arias - is made with European spruce for the soundboard paired with an exceptionally beautiful set of birdseye maple for the back and sides with plenty of 3D "lava lamp" texture. This is THE actual award-winning classical guitar that Federico showcased at the ninth Antonio Marin Montero Guitar Making Competition held in Granada, Spain in July/August, 2026 and we are thrilled to have this guitar here.

Only a brief first-glance at this guitar and one is simply struck by the beautiful amount of inlay, design work and ornamentation - this instrument is a work of art not just aesthetically but sonically as well. The panel of judges in Granada were immediatley charmed by this instrument before hearing a note, but then charmed even further after hearing its lovely voice! Although not a literal copy of a Vicente Arias, it draws heavily on many of his designs of Vicente Arias - particulary in the use of the peanut shapes, floral designs and circles in the rosette. The purflings also features circular and rectangular patterns that are perfectly executed. Really a marvel of highly-skilled craftsmanship. And the sound captures an old-world Spanish character with its warm, loose, dry and "woody" quality of sound. Trebles are lyrical with great color and the basses are warm yet sturdy. It truly has many qualities found in older vintage guitars which is remarkable given that it is brand-new. Clearly his love of the old Spanish masters is apparent in this guitar. It would make an absolutely lovely recording instrument and on stage it projected beautifully when heard from a distance by the judges in Granada. Overall a strikingly beautiful guitar and we are very excited to see future guitars from this very versatile and talented maker.

Xiaoqing "Federico" Jiang is a professional maker of classical and flamenco guitars based in Guangzhou, China. His journey into the world of nylon-string guitar began as a player - in 2002 under the tutelage of Raymond Au, Hong Kong’s pioneering flamenco guitar mentor and disciple of Paco Peña. Through guitar playing, Federico gained profound enthusiasm for the instrument—The idea of making a guitar of his own was encouraged by the glamour of flamenco. In 2003, with renewed sense of vision for his future, he decided to embark on a career as a luthier. Despite having limited learning resources at the time, he kept experimenting with progressively updated knowledge and a humble heart. Federico’s craftsmanship improved overtime, and his work became well-known in the flamenco and classical guitar communities in China, especially after participating in several media interviews and visiting festivals and performances.

In 2012, Federico attended the guitarmaking masterclass given by renowned Spanish luthier Juan Labella. This was followed up by a 2015 visit to Granada, Spain to learn how to build a Spanish guitar in “the most authentic” way. He gained tremendous help from Pablo Requena and Stephen Hill, the founder of the European Institute of Guitar Making, who follows closely Antonio Marín Montero’s “Granada school” method. Federico therefore managed to combine traditions and innovations in his guitar making. Up to now, he has made more than 500 guitars, including flamenco, classical, early romantic and multi-string guitar models. He has taken inspiration from the greatest instruments by masters such as Antonio de Torres, Vicente Arias, Domingo Esteso and Manuel Reyes. Federico’s guitars are being appreciated not only in China, but also by customers from Europe and North America. Federico is now known as one of the most outstanding luthiers in China for the excellent quality of his guitars.

After several years of being immersed in guitar construction, Xiaoqing "Federico" Jiang was awarded third-prize for his classical guitar at the prestigious ninth Antonio Marin Montero Guitar Making Competition held in Granada, Spain in July/August, 2026.