2026 German Vázquez Rubio "Solista" No. 71326 SP/IN

This 2026 German Vázquez Rubio “Solista” is a classical guitar with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in Los Angeles, California – German’s newest concert model, with the bracing of his elite guitars at a more modest price.

The “Solista”: German’s Newest Concert Model

This is German’s most recent concert model to be developed. Called the “Solista”, it features his newest bracing system (which had previously only been used in his top, elite models). This bracing system fattens out the tone, particularly in the trebles, giving the guitar an overall warmer sound.

Indian Rosewood and a French-Polished Top

The system has been so well received in his elite models that he decided to introduce it in an instrument at a more modest price point while retaining the same high standard of sound – this was done by using Indian rosewood for the back and sides (instead of pricier, more exotic woods), lacquering the back and sides (the top remains French polished), and less ornate inlay work.

Playability and Sound

Playability is a breeze, with a very smooth and comfortable neck (it also has a 20th fret for a high C natural), and the guitar boasts enough power for any concert setting – in ensemble, or solo.

The Label

German’s label – “Constructor, Desde 1968” – is signed, dated 2026 and numbered 71326.

All in, this is a very versatile and strong instrument by any standard.

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.