Antonio Marin Montero　［アントニオ・マリン・モンテロ］ Modelo B(Bouchet)　No.430

Product Description

Neck:Cedro
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:GOTOH
String Height(1st):2.6mm
String Height(6th):3.6mm

[Luthier]

Antonio Marin Montero was born in Granada, Spain, in 1933. A central figure in Granada—one of the world's great centers of guitar making—he has taught and influenced numerous younger makers both in Spain and abroad. His profound and far-reaching influence has earned him a place among the most distinguished maestros of contemporary Spanish guitar making.

He began his career as a cabinetmaker and, in 1959, entered the workshop of Granada maker Eduardo Ferrer, where he studied the craft of guitar making. In 1961, he established a joint workshop with Manuel Bellido, another maker who had trained under Ferrer, marking the beginning of his professional career. He later became independent and steadily established his reputation as a guitar maker.

A major turning point came in 1977, when, through the introduction of a Japanese inventor, Marin met the great French luthier Robert Bouchet (1898–1986). Bouchet, one of the most important masters in the history of classical guitar making, immediately recognized Marin's exceptional talent. He subsequently visited Granada and also invited Marin to France, offering him personal guidance and advice on guitar making.

Until then, Marin had primarily produced guitars with a strong Andalusian character. His encounter with Bouchet, however, led him to pursue a greater degree of artistic universality in his instruments. The resulting Bouchet Model reached an exceptional level in both acoustical performance and craftsmanship, and has since come to be regarded as one of the finest representatives of the Granada tradition.

Following his meeting with Bouchet, Marin moved his workshop in 1979 to its present location, at the corner just after descending Cuesta del Caidero from the Alhambra toward the city center. His nephew José Marin Plazuelo joined the workshop, followed in 1989 by his brother-in-law José González López, and in 2009 by his grandson José Antonio Correa Marin (currently inactive). Together, they established the workshop as one of the most prestigious guitar-making ateliers not only in Granada but throughout Spain. Marin retired from guitar making in 2025, after which José Marin and González López continued to operate the workshop.

Many young makers from around the world have been drawn to Granada by their admiration for Marin and their desire to study his techniques. His influence has contributed to Granada's development into an international center for guitar making. Since 2017, the Granada Guitar Festival has also hosted an international guitar-making competition bearing Marin's name.

[Instrument]

This is a 2002 Antonio Marin Montero Modelo B (Bouchet), with a 650 mm scale length.

The instrument is characterized by a clear, light and lively voice, combined with an exceptionally fast response. It possesses the distinctly Spanish, Granada-style character one would expect, while offering not simply great volume but a rich and abundant projection. The sense of power generated by its extraordinary speed and immediacy is remarkable. At the same time, it possesses the sustain and acoustic qualities associated with the Bouchet tradition, making this a particularly fine example of Marin Montero's artistic achievement.

Its response to the player's touch is remarkably fast, direct and natural. The layers of resonance that emerge immediately with each note are beautifully developed, while the instrument responds exceptionally well to subtle left-hand control. Vibrato and the smallest nuances of articulation are reproduced with a remarkable richness and elegance, offering a level of refinement that can be deeply rewarding even for the player.

The instrument offers abundant volume, extremely fast response, excellent sustain, and a very well-balanced tonal character. It has a shellac finish and is fitted with Gotoh tuning machines. The neck has a standard thickness and is straight, while fret wear is minimal. String tension is relatively soft, providing a very wide range of touch and making the instrument exceptionally comfortable and easy to play.

The current action is set relatively low, at approximately 2.6 mm on the first string and 3.6 mm on the sixth string, providing excellent playability.

Approximately 22 years have passed since its construction. Overall, the instrument remains in good condition. There are scattered playing marks across the soundboard consistent with normal use over the years, serving as evidence of its history as a played instrument. The finish is generally well preserved, although there is slight discoloration or alteration to the finish around the lower section of the back. The neck remains in good condition.

There is no history of crack repairs, and structurally the instrument is completely sound.

These playing marks testify to the instrument's long musical life, while its construction and sound embody the acoustic aesthetic Antonio Marin Montero developed under the influence of Robert Bouchet. It remains a remarkable example of the highest level of the Spanish Granada school of guitar making, retaining exceptional musical value and playability to this day.

A Hiscox hard case is included.