Neck:Mahogany
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:SLOANE
String Height(1st):2.5mm
String Height(6th):3.8mm


[Profile]
Abel Garcia Lopez was born in Paracho, Michoacán, Mexico, and continues to build guitars in his hometown today. Paracho is widely recognized as one of the most important guitar-making centers in Latin America, a town with a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship and instrument making.

Born into a family of guitar makers, Abel built his first guitar at the age of nine under the guidance of his father. Although he later studied mechanical engineering and computer science, his passion for guitar making remained central to his life. A formative visit to Los Angeles allowed him to meet legendary guitarists Celerino Romero and Pepe Romero and to examine their remarkable collection of historical instruments, including guitars by Hermann Hauser II and Miguel Rodríguez. This experience helped define his artistic direction as a luthier.

In 1992 and 1993 he attended the renowned guitar-making courses of José Luis Romanillos in Córdoba, Spain, later serving as Romanillos’ assistant in 1994. Through these experiences he deepened his understanding of the Spanish guitar tradition, including the work of Torres, Manuel Ramírez, Santos Hernández, Hauser, and Miguel Rodríguez. At the same time, commissions from the Romero family helped establish his reputation internationally.

Today, Abel Garcia’s instruments reflect this rich heritage while expressing a distinctly personal voice. Rooted in the traditions of Torres and the great Spanish masters, his guitars incorporate refined acoustical concepts, exceptional craftsmanship, and decorative elements inspired by pre-Columbian Mexican art. Widely regarded as one of the leading contemporary makers from Paracho, he continues to gain international recognition for instruments that unite historical knowledge, technical mastery, and artistic individuality.

[Description]
This 2019 RI 2 is a rare pre-owned example of Abel Garcia Lopez’s original design philosophy. While firmly rooted in the traditions of Torres, Hauser, and Miguel Rodríguez, the model also reflects influences from Robert Bouchet, reinterpreted through Abel’s own modern artistic vision. The result is an instrument that feels both deeply traditional and remarkably contemporary.

The guitar features an innovative internal bracing system combining five fan braces, multiple harmonic bars, a distinctive elevated bridge-like brace, and a transverse brace inspired by Bouchet’s celebrated designs. Rather than functioning as a simple combination of historical ideas, these structural elements work together as an integrated acoustical concept, producing an exceptionally balanced and sophisticated voice.

Tonally, the instrument offers warm and supportive basses, clear and refined midrange response, and elegant, singing trebles. Notes speak quickly with excellent projection while maintaining richness, focus, and tonal complexity throughout their sustain. Dynamic control is outstanding, from delicate pianissimo passages to powerful climaxes, allowing the player to shape musical lines with remarkable nuance and color.

Visually, the guitar displays carefully selected tonewoods, a beautifully executed shellac finish, and a distinctive rosette design inspired by traditional pre-Columbian motifs. Fine decorative details throughout the instrument further reflect Abel Garcia’s exceptional craftsmanship.

The guitar remains in very good used condition. There are no cracks, structural repairs, or modifications. Minor playing wear is present, including light surface marks around the soundhole and small cosmetic signs of use on the back, all consistent with careful ownership. Playability is excellent, with a comfortable slim D-shaped neck profile, healthy fret condition, and proper setup. Current action measures approximately 2.5 mm on the 1st string and 3.8 mm on the 6th string at the 12th fret. Total weight is 1.67 kg.