Marcelino Lopez Nieto - 1966

About the luthier

Marcelino Lopez Nieto (1931-2018) was one of the most emblematic Madrilène luthiers of the second half of the twentieth century. He was a talented guitar player and studied guitar performance under the guidance of Daniel Fortea for five years. He opened his first workshop in 1949 at the very young age of 18 years, just after having finished his apprenticeship as a cabinet-maker. He later worked in the prestigious Hernandez y Aguado workshop. Marcelino Lopez Nieto’s life was dedicated to art and guitar, and he left a great mark in the Spanish guitar making history.

About the guitar

This outstanding guitar perfectly embodies the essence of what is often referred to as the golden age of the classical guitar—the 1960s. Built in the traditional Madrid style, it reflects the robust and resonant tonal character that defined this period. The sound is bold, thick, and full of song, with a fast and articulate response to right-hand technique, making it a truly engaging instrument to play. As expected from a fine Madrid-style guitar, it features excellent volume and projection, ideal for both solo performance and ensemble playing. The responsiveness of the instrument offers the player dynamic control and expressive freedom, making it not only a historically significant guitar but also one that meets the demands of today’s concert repertoire.

Condition

This guitar is in very good condition. It exhibits the typical thin cracks next to the fingerboard, commonly found in guitars of this age, but the soundboard remains structurally solid and beautifully preserved. There are two well-repaired cracks on the sides, which have been professionally addressed and have no influence on the sound or playability of the instrument.