Ariel Ameijenda

Ariel Ameijenda is a Uruguayan luthier whose work embodies generations of Spanish-inspired craftsmanship and a deep understanding of musical acoustics. Born in Montevideo in 1963, he inherited the art of guitar making from his father, Manuel Ameijenda, a disciple of the Madrid and Barcelona schools of lutherie. Surrounded from an early age by fine instruments from masters such as Hauser, Simplicio, and Santos Hernández, Ariel developed an exceptional sensitivity to tone and construction. His studies in musicology and acoustics further refined his scientific approach to sound. Since founding his own workshop in 1997, he has earned an international reputation for building classical and historical string instruments of remarkable clarity, depth, and elegance. Now based in Cerro de los Burros near Piriápolis, he continues to craft guitars that blend traditional Spanish methods with his own artistic vision, creating instruments admired worldwide for their precision, resonance, and soulful expression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars

How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?

Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.

What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?

Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.

Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?

Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?

Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.

What payment methods and financing options do you offer?

We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.

How do I properly care for my classical guitar?

A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.

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Ariel Ameijenda – Guitars from Uruguay

Family Legacy and Early Influences

Ariel Ameijenda was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1963, the son of the renowned guitar maker Manuel Ameijenda. His father had learned the craft from Juan Carlos Santurion, who studied in Ignacio Fleta’s workshop in Barcelona during the early 1950s, linking the Spanish and South American guitar-making traditions.

Spanish Roots and Workshop Beginnings

In 1957, Manuel Ameijenda founded his own workshop, which he shared for several years with José López Cubillo, a leading craftsman from José Ramírez II’s workshop in Madrid. This collaboration gave him direct access to both major schools of Spanish guitar making — the Madrid and Barcelona traditions.

Repair Work and Contact with Master Instruments

Through years of repairing and restoring fine instruments, Manuel Ameijenda gained profound insight into the work of the world’s greatest luthiers. Because Andrés Segovia lived in Montevideo for nine years, many of his legendary guitars by Hauser, Simplicio, Santos Hernández, and others passed through the Ameijenda workshop — allowing a rare opportunity to study these masterpieces up close.

Early Training and Apprenticeship

Growing up in his father’s workshop, Ariel Ameijenda absorbed the techniques of classical, Renaissance, and Baroque instrument building from an early age. By the age of 14, under his father’s guidance, he was assisting with repairs and building his first instruments — developing both skill and passion for the craft.

Academic Studies and Their Influence

At 19, Ariel enrolled at university to study musicology, focusing on acoustics and music history. These studies profoundly shaped his approach to instrument making, blending scientific precision with artistic intuition. This academic background remains a defining aspect of his luthier philosophy.

Establishing His Reputation

In 1997, Ariel Ameijenda opened his own workshop in Montevideo. His guitars and historical string instruments soon gained international recognition, particularly after participating in the Alexandria Guitar Festival (Virginia, 2007) and the New York Guitar Seminar (Manhattan, 2008). These events helped establish him as one of the foremost South American luthiers.

Teaching and Knowledge Sharing

Alongside his work as a craftsman, Ariel Ameijenda teaches at the Escuela Universitaria de Música in Montevideo, where he offers a course titled “Guitar: History of Construction from the Renaissance to the 21st Century.” In 2011, he also taught at the Federal University of Paraná in Argentina and the EMBAP Guitar Academic Symposium in Curitiba, Brazil, sharing his expertise with a new generation of luthiers and musicians.

Workshop in Cerro de los Burros

To accommodate increasing demand, Ariel Ameijenda relocated his workshop in 2014 to the tranquil area of Cerro de los Burros, near Piriápolis on Uruguay’s eastern coast. There, in a custom-designed workspace surrounded by nature, he devotes himself fully to creating instruments of exceptional craftsmanship and sound.

Philosophy and Musical Vision

Ariel Ameijenda embodies the fusion of heritage, science, and artistry. His guitars are the product of deep respect for tradition combined with an analytical understanding of acoustics. Each instrument reflects a harmony between history and innovation, resonating wi

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