Jose Marin Plazuero　[ホセ・マリン・プラスエロ] model Bouchet　No.319

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:FUSTERO
String Height(1st):3.1mm
String Height(6th):4.1mm

[Luthier Information]

José Marín Plazuelo (born 1960) was born in Granada, Spain, and is one of the foremost representatives of the modern Granada school of guitar making. He is the nephew of the legendary luthier Antonio Marín Montero (b. 1933), one of the most influential Spanish makers of the late twentieth century.

At the age of fourteen, in 1974, José entered Antonio Marín's workshop, which at the time was jointly operated with Manuel Bellido. He initially specialized in French polishing while gradually learning every aspect of guitar construction under his uncle's guidance. In 1979, Antonio and José established a new workshop on Cuesta del Caidero in Granada. That same year, at the age of nineteen, José completed his first guitar and officially began his career as an independent luthier.

Although he established his own production under the José Marín Plazuelo label, he has continued to work alongside his uncle without interruption, each producing instruments under their respective labels. Following Antonio Marín's retirement from active guitar making in 2025, José assumed responsibility for the operation of the historic workshop.

The year 1979 also marked a pivotal moment in the workshop's history. Following Antonio Marín's close friendship with the great French master Robert Bouchet, which had begun in 1977, a second meeting between the two luthiers that year further refined what has become known as the distinctive Marín–Bouchet style. As a young craftsman working in the workshop at the time, José witnessed this important artistic exchange firsthand and learned directly from the methods that emerged through the collaboration of these two remarkable makers.

José Marín's guitars faithfully inherit the construction philosophy and tonal ideals established by Antonio Marín while introducing an added level of refinement in both craftsmanship and acoustical execution. Today, his work represents one of the finest expressions of the contemporary Granada tradition. In addition to his highly regarded Bouchet-inspired concert model, he also produces exceptional Torres-inspired instruments and finely crafted flamenco guitars.

[Instrument Information]

This is a 1999 José Marín Plazuelo Bouchet Model No.319, offered in used condition.

The guitar retains its original French polish finish throughout and has no history of crack repairs, structural restoration, or modifications, preserving its originality exceptionally well.

The soundboard displays the expected signs of careful musical use. Fine playing marks are visible around the soundhole, while the area beneath the bridge shows a concentration of string-change marks that are somewhat more noticeable. Apart from these cosmetic signs of use, the top remains in condition fully consistent with the instrument's age.

The back and sides have been particularly well preserved, exhibiting only light surface wear from normal contact with clothing during performance, with no significant blemishes.

The neck shows a slight forward movement (neck rise), a condition not uncommon in mature handmade classical guitars. At present, however, this remains minor and has no meaningful effect on playability or performance. Overall playing characteristics remain comfortable and stable.