Juan Galán Rodriguez was born in Malaga in 1876. He was the son of the distinguished luthier, Juan Galán Caro, also a native of Malaga, who had in turn learned his art from Antonio Lorca, the father. Working with his father, Juan became a master guitar maker. In 1906, he decided to move to Buenos Aires, and beginning in 1908 he began building guitars in Argentina. In Argentina, he became a grand figure in the guitar world, and all the great artists of his day were drawn to his workshop. His guitars were specially prized not only for their excellent sound, and workmanship, but because they were especially playable, and required little effort of the left hand. This guitar represents his best work, the back and sides, are adored by marquetry matching the tiles in the rosette. While not the loudest instrument, it possess more adequate volume for most concert halls. It possess wonderful clarity, great presence, amazing separation such that even in chords, every note is heard, every note is balanced. The basses have a cello like quality. The trebles are full and sweet.