Antonio Marin Montero – 1981

Description

Antonio Marín Montero was born in Granada in 1933. In 1957, he joined master Pérez’s workshop, and two years later, in 1959, his father advised him to visit Eduardo Ferrer for whom he worked until opening his own workshop. A milestone in Antonio Marin Montero’s career was his meeting with the French luthier Robert Bouchet in the 1970s. The two artists became friends and built several guitars together. The confrontation between Marin Montero’s Spanish building system and Robert Bouchet’s very particular bracing construction was a great source of inspiration for Antonio Marin Montero, and he continued to build a model with the ”Robert Bouchet” bracing throughout his career. Today, Antonio Marin Montero is one of the most sought-after Spanish guitar makers.

This gorgeous guitar from 1981 with the number 299 is an exciting instrument. It features a Robert Bouchet bracing, but with a slightly thinner crosspiece than usual. As a result, the top is impressively responsive and produces a radiant tone. Montero’s rich and warm tone is immediately recognizable, and so is the overall aesthetic of the guitar. The spruce top has developed a lovely color over the years, and the Brazilian rosewood (CITES certified) back and sides are likewise remarkable. This guitar is free of cracks and only superficial playing wear is a reminder that it has been played intensively over the last forty years.