Manuel Adalid

Manuel Adalid – Master Luthier and Innovator in Classical Guitar Making

Manuel Adalid is one of the most renowned Spanish luthiers of our time. Born on October 1, 1951, he comes from a family deeply rooted in the art of guitar making. He was trained by his father, Manuel Adalid Lázaro, as well as Francisco Esteve Calatayud and Antonio Monfort, all master luthiers who passed their craftsmanship on to him.

Today, Adalid is known not only for his exquisite handcrafted concert guitars but also for his innovations in classical guitar construction. His instruments, which blend traditional Spanish craftsmanship with modern technology, are highly sought after worldwide.

The Journey to Becoming a Master Luthier

From an early age, Manuel Adalid showed great interest in guitar making. After completing his studies in Business Administration at the University of Valencia, he founded his own guitar trading company at the age of 18. It quickly became one of the main clients of Francisco Esteve Guitars.

During his summers as an apprentice at the Francisco Esteve guitar factory, Adalid refined his skills in traditional Spanish guitar-making techniques. At 23, he fully dedicated himself to lutherie and returned to Guitarras Francisco Esteve. Under the mentorship of his father and Antonio Monfort, he completed his master luthier training.

When the founders of Guitarras Francisco Esteve retired, they recognized Adalid’s business and technical expertise and appointed him Managing Director in 1980. Under his leadership, the company experienced considerable growth:

• The workshop expanded from 2,000 m² to 6,000 m²
• The staff increased from 30 to 49 employees
• The international reputation of the Guitarras Francisco Esteve brand strengthened significantly

Influence on Modern Guitar Making

Beyond his work at Guitarras Francisco Esteve, Manuel Adalid is known for his contributions to the advancement of guitar construction. He has given lectures around the world, including in Spain, France, China, Turkey, and Argentina, sharing his expertise on Spanish guitar-making techniques and new innovations.

His exceptional craftsmanship has been officially recognized: the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Generalitat Valenciana awarded him the title of Master Craftsman (No. 193). He also serves as President of the Association for Musical Instruments (AFIMA).

Innovation Meets Tradition – Manuel Adalid Guitars

Manuel Adalid combines the essence of traditional Spanish guitar making with modern developments. His guitars are distinguished by:

• Superior craftsmanship – each instrument meticulously crafted from premium tonewoods
• Outstanding sound quality – deep basses, clear mids, and brilliant trebles
• Innovative materials – integration of modern technologies to enhance tone and playability
• Spanish construction techniques – inspired by legendary luthiers such as Torres and Hauser

His most recent focus has been the development of new technologies for classical guitar construction, a pursuit he finds deeply fulfilling.

Why Choose a Manuel Adalid Guitar?

A guitar from Manuel Adalid is more than an instrument — it is the culmination of decades of research, experience, and passion. His guitars unite traditional Spanish craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation, making them a top choice for concert guitarists, collectors, and dedicated enthusiasts.