Ariel Ameijenda

Ariel Ameijenda – Guitars from Uruguay

Family Legacy and Early Influences

Ariel Ameijenda was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1963, as the son of one of the country's most renowned guitar makers, Manuel Ameijenda. Ariel's father had learned this intricate art from Juan Carlos Santurion, who had studied at Fleta's workshop in Barcelona, Spain, in the early 1950s.

Spanish Lineage and Workshop Beginnings

In 1957, Manuel Ameijenda established his own shop, which he shared for several years with Jose Lopez Cubillo. Cubillo was the chief craftsman at José Ramirez II's workshop in Madrid, Spain. In a short span of time, Ariel's father had the opportunity to learn techniques from the two leading guitar-building schools in Spain located in the cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Repair Work and Contact with Master Instruments

Ariel's father also acquired a wealth of knowledge about repairing guitars from the world's finest manufacturers. Andres Segovia resided in Montevideo for nine years, and wherever the Maestro went, fine guitars followed. Thus, Montevideo became home to far more than its fair share of exquisite instruments. Guitars by Hauser, Simplicio, Santos Hernandez, and many others flowed through the Ameijenda workshop for adjustments and maintenance, providing him with a precise insight into the work of these masters.

Learning by Doing: Ariel’s Early Experience

As a child participating in his father's workshop, Ariel learned the finest techniques of world-class makers of classical guitars and string instruments from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. More importantly, the passion required for such endeavors came to him naturally and very early in life. At the age of 14, under his father's guidance, Ariel assisted with repairs and the construction of his first instruments.

Academic Studies and Their Impact

At 19, Ariel entered the university, where he studied musicology. In those four years, he focused particularly on acoustics and music history. These were highly valuable studies that strongly influenced his approach to guitar and old instrument building.

Establishing a Global Reputation

In 1997, Ariel opened his own workshop in Montevideo. Today, he sells guitars and historical string instruments to musicians around the world. Recently, his reputation has expanded significantly after showcasing his instruments at two events in the United States. In 2007, he participated in the Alexandria Guitar Festival in Alexandria, Virginia, and in 2008, he was featured at the New York Guitar Seminar in Manhattan.

Educational Work and International Teaching

Currently, Ariel also works as a teacher at the Escuela Universitaria de Música (University School of Music), instructing "Guitar: History of Construction from the Renaissance to the 21st Century." In 2011, he taught this course at the Universidad Federal de Paraná (Federal University of Parana) in Argentina and at the EMBAP Guitar Academic Symposium in Curitiba, Brazil.

Workshop in Cerro de los Burros

To meet the growing list of orders for his guitars, Ariel moved to the serene surroundings of Cerro de los Burros near the city of Piriapolis on the eastern coast of Uruguay in 2014. There, he fully dedicates himself to crafting the finest guitars in his personally designed workshop.

Philosophy and Musical Vision

Experience the artistry of Ariel Ameijenda, a virtuoso in the realm of guitar making. His instruments, steeped in tradition and precision, resonate with the legacy of generations of craftsmanship. Discover the harmonious fusion of history, acoustics, and passion that gives life to each unique piece he creates. Explore the enchanting world of Ariel Ameijenda Guitars and immerse yourself in the rich soundscape of his exquisite creations.