2026 Federico Jiang "Arias" SP/MP

This 2026 Federico Jiang "Arias" is a spruce and birdseye maple classical guitar inspired by the 19th-century Spanish maker Vicente Arias, and the actual guitar that won third prize for classical guitar at the 2026 Antonio Marín Montero International Guitar Making Competition.

The "Arias" Classical Guitar

GSI is honored to offer this guitar. For it, Federico paired a European spruce top with an exceptional set of birdseye maple back and sides, which have a striking three-dimensional "lava lamp" figure.

Inspired by Vicente Arias

From the first glance, this guitar impresses with its wealth of inlay work, design elements, and ornamentation. It is a work of art both visually and sonically. In Granada, the judges were captivated by its appearance before they heard a note, and even more so once they heard its appealing voice. It isn't a direct copy of an Arias model, but it draws heavily on many of his signature design features, especially the peanut-shaped motifs, floral ornaments, and circular elements in the rosette.

Intricate Inlays and Purflings

The purflings feature circular and rectangular patterns executed with outstanding precision, which shows a highly developed level of skill. Federico's deep respect for the historic Spanish masters is evident throughout the guitar's design.

A Warm, Vintage Spanish Sound

The sound has a historic Spanish flavor: warm, loose, dry, and "woody." The trebles are lyrical and musical with plenty of tonal variety, while the basses are warm and stable. Even though the guitar is brand new, it already has many of the qualities of a fine older instrument, which is remarkable. It would be especially well suited to studio recording, yet it also projects strongly on stage, as the judges in Granada confirmed. It's a remarkable instrument both visually and sonically, and we look forward to seeing more from this versatile and accomplished maker.

From Flamenco Player to Luthier

Xiaoqing "Federico" Jiang is a professional classical and flamenco guitar maker based in Guangzhou, China. His path into nylon-string guitar making began as a player. In 2002, he started studying with Raymond Au, Hong Kong's first flamenco guitar teacher and a student of Paco Peña. Playing gave Federico a deep love of the guitar, and the allure of flamenco in particular led him to think about building instruments himself. In 2003, he decided to make lutherie his profession.

Self-Taught Beginnings

At first, learning materials were hard to find, so Federico taught himself through experimentation, patience, and dedication, steadily refining his skills. Over time his building grew more accomplished, and his guitars began to earn recognition in China's flamenco and classical guitar communities, especially after appearances in the media and at festivals.

Learning from Spain

In 2012, Federico attended a masterclass with the celebrated Spanish luthier Juan Labella. In 2015, he traveled to Granada to study what he considered the most authentic Spanish guitar-making techniques. There he received valuable guidance from Pablo Requena and from Stephen Hill, founder of the European Institute of Guitar Making and a practitioner of Antonio Marín Montero's "Granada school" methods. This experience helped Federico combine traditional practices with his own contemporary approach.

One of China's Finest Luthiers

Federico has now built more than 500 instruments, including flamenco, classical, early Romantic, and multi-string guitars. He draws inspiration from legendary makers such as Antonio de Torres, Vicente Arias, Domingo Esteso, and Manuel Reyes. His guitars are appreciated by players in China, Europe, and North America, and he is recognized as one of China's finest luthiers.

Prize Winner in Granada

In 2026, Federico won third prize for classical guitar at the prestigious ninth Antonio Marín Montero International Guitar Making Competition in Granada, Spain.