Neck: Cedro
Fingerboard: Ebony
Finish(Top): Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides): Shellac
Tuning Machines: GOTOH
String Height(1st): 3.0mm
String Height(6th): 3.7mm

[Luthier Information]

Antonio Marin Montero (b.1933, Granada, Spain) is widely regarded as the greatest living maestro of Spanish guitar making, and a central figure in Granada’s world-renowned luthier tradition. His legacy has shaped not only the aesthetics and acoustics of the modern classical guitar, but also an entire generation of builders across Spain, Europe, and beyond.

Originally trained as a furniture maker, Marin began building guitars in 1959 under the guidance of Eduardo Ferrer, and soon thereafter partnered with Manuel Bellido to open his first workshop in 1961. By the 1970s, Marin had established himself as one of the leading voices in Granada’s flourishing guitar scene.

In 1977, a pivotal moment occurred: through a Japanese inventor, Marin was introduced to the legendary French luthier Robert Bouchet (1898–1986). This encounter would radically transform Marin’s approach to guitar building. Bouchet immediately recognized Marin’s exceptional talent, and the two developed a close professional and personal relationship—exchanging ideas, visiting each other’s workshops in France and Spain, and collaborating closely.

From this period emerged Marin’s now-famous 'Bouchet Model', combining the rich Andalusian tradition with Bouchet’s refined structural concepts and tonal ideals. This model became a benchmark in Spanish luthiery and helped usher in a new era of classical guitar design centered in Granada.

In 1979, Marin moved into his current workshop at the foot of the Alhambra Palace, at the corner of Cuesta del Caidero—a location now iconic among guitar makers and enthusiasts.

Over the years, Marin’s workshop has trained and included such distinguished luthiers as:

José Marin Plazuelo (his nephew)

José González López (his nephew-in-law, joined in 1989)

José Antonio Correa Marin (his grandson, joined in 2009, now inactive)

In 2025, Antonio Marin officially retired from luthiery, closing a 60+ year chapter of instrument making. His workshop continues under the direction of José Marin and José González López.

Marin’s influence on contemporary classical guitar is immense. His dedication to tone, elegance, and craftsmanship has drawn countless young builders from around the world to Granada, transforming the city into an international capital of guitar making. In 2017, the Granada Guitar Festival inaugurated the Antonio Marin International Guitar Making Competition, celebrating his contribution to the art.

[Instrument Information]
Antonio Marin Montero – Modelo E (2025) – No.201

Possibly the final guitar built by the maestro before his retirement

This 2025 Antonio Marin Montero Modelo E, serial number No.201, is an exceptional and historically significant instrument. Though no official announcement has been made by the workshop, this guitar is understood to be the last personally made or overseen guitar by Marin himself, marking the close of an extraordinary career spanning over six decades.

[Key Features]

Top: European Spruce

Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood

Neck: Spanish Cedar

Fingerboard: Ebony

Scale length: 650 mm

Nut width: 52 mm

Finish: French polish

Bracing: Bouchet-inspired lattice adapted by Marin

Label: Hand-signed and numbered by Antonio Marin Montero

[Tonal Character]

This instrument exemplifies the tonal ideals Marin pursued throughout his career:

Elegant, lyrical trebles with exceptional clarity and sustain

Warm, rounded basses with a full and noble character

Rich overtones and harmonic complexity

Perfect balance between projection and intimacy

Effortless response, making it ideal for both solo and chamber performance

Marin's guitars are celebrated for their ability to connect the soul of the Andalusian sound with the structural sophistication of French luthiery. This guitar is no exception—offering a mature, poetic voice that is both deeply expressive and technically refined.

[Craftsmanship & Aesthetics]

As always, Marin’s work reflects his meticulous attention to detail:

Beautifully shaped headstock and elegant rosette design

Impeccable joinery and wood selection

Light and resonant build, characteristic of the Granada school

The French polish finish enhances both tone and the wood’s natural beauty

The guitar’s craftsmanship speaks not only to Marin’s technical mastery but to the cultural legacy of Granada guitar making that he helped define.

[Historical Significance]

This particular instrument—No.201—is a rare and potentially final creation from the hands of Antonio Marin Montero. For collectors, players, and institutions, it represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a true closing chapter in Spanish guitar history.

Such an instrument is:

Ideal for concert-level performers seeking tonal poetry and effortless playability

A museum-worthy collector’s piece from one of the most respected luthiers in modern history

A symbol of the Granada school’s golden age, and of Marin’s enduring contribution to the art of guitar making

[Conclusion]

The Antonio Marin Montero Modelo E (2025) No.201 is not just a guitar—it is a piece of history. With its exquisite tone, refined construction, and emotional significance as the possible last work of a true maestro, this instrument stands among the most desirable guitars available on the international stage today.