Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Polyurethan
Finish(Back & Sides):Polyurethan
Tuning Machines:VANGENT
String Height(1st):2.5mm
String Height(6th):3.1mm

Luthier Information

Manuel López Bellido
Born in 1939 in Granada, Spain.

At the age of 13, Manuel entered the Claudio Carmona furniture workshop in Granada as an apprentice. At that time, his close friend Antonio Marín Montero, already an accomplished craftsman in the same workshop, taught him advanced woodworking skills. Manuel quickly distinguished himself through his exceptional technical ability.

His interest in musical instruments was sparked when he was asked by a friend to repair a bandurria, which led him to study instrument structure in depth and ultimately decide to pursue instrument making as his profession. He left the Carmona workshop ahead of Antonio and, at age 16, joined the workshop of Eduardo Ferrer, now regarded as a mentor figure in the Granada guitar-making tradition.

Initially, Manuel mainly produced castanets and even considered returning to furniture making for financial reasons. However, recognizing Manuel’s outstanding talent, Ferrer rehired him as a full-time maker of bandurrias and guitars. This marked the beginning of Manuel’s full commitment to luthiery. Antonio Marín later joined Ferrer’s workshop as well, and the two friends once again worked side by side.

After completing his military service, Manuel decided to become independent at the age of 21. In 1960, he and Antonio launched the joint brand Montero y Bellido. During the early years, they supported themselves by supplying instruments under Ferrer’s label or under the name Manuel de la Chica, and despite repeated workshop relocations and various hardships, they gradually built a solid clientele. Renowned musicians such as Regino Sainz de la Maza and Paco de Lucía also began to take interest in their work.

From the 1970s onward, international demand—particularly from Japan—increased significantly. The workshop expanded its production with apprentices including Manuel’s brother José López Bellido, Antonio’s nephew Paco Santiago Marín, and Rafael Moreno. However, after Paco Marín became independent in 1973 and José Marín Plazuelo joined the workshop the following year, the collaboration between Manuel and Antonio came to an end, and each continued independently.

Manuel’s guitars are firmly rooted in the traditional Granada style inherited from Eduardo Ferrer, yet he has consistently pursued bold structural experimentation, sometimes approaching a distinctly modern character. Despite these innovations, his tonal identity remains unmistakably consistent—an impressive achievement in itself. His guitars offer a vivid, woody, and highly responsive sound typical of Granada instruments, combined with a certain austerity and restraint that lends them a deeply refined and understated character.

Primarily known for his flamenco guitars, Manuel’s instruments respond exceptionally well to the demands of the genre while also incorporating nuances that transcend stylistic boundaries. This unique balance has earned him a devoted following among discerning players.

Today, Manuel continues his work in his long, narrow workshop at Paseo de Las Palmas 5, alongside his sons Jesús and Mauricio, each of whom now works under his own independent brand.