Félix Manzanero
|
The Spanish
luthier Felix Manzanero was born in Madrid in 1937. He had
learned a little about guitar making from Modesto Borreguero
(1893-1969)-- who
been trained by Manuel Ramirez (1864-1916)-- and was a friend of the family. So, at the age of 14,
when he learned that the Ramirez shop was looking for someone, he applied.
Felix Manzanero began his apprenticeship under José Ramirez II (1885-1957) doing
varnishing and building bandurrias, and working along side Alfonso Benito
and Jose Ramirez III, the only others in the shop. He recounts how he secretly
made his first guitar out of scraps of wood he saved. When Ramirez saw it,
he was impressed, and then allowed Felix to build guitars, eventually
promoting him to a master craftsman. After 12 years there, Felix started his own
business and workshop.
Felix Manzanero is one of the foremost luthiers of classical and flamenco guitars in the Madrid school. His classical guitars have won such prestigious prizes as First Place in Acoustics in the Concurso Internacional de Maestros Guitarreros in Tarbes, France in 1989. Manzanero is mentioned as among the best guitar makers in Spain in books by Cano, Evans, Mairants, Morish, and Urlik. I would concur. (References) His flamenco and classical guitars are completely handmade using traditional methods, and the finest quality woods. The wood he uses is at least 25 years old, giving guitars a special sound, and guaranteeing they won't crack or warp. |
| Felix Manzanero Prices | Makers' Page | Zavaleta's Home Page |