José Marín Plazuelo is a classical and flamenco guitar maker from Granada, Spain, born in 1960 – the nephew of Antonio Marín Montero, beside whom he worked from 1974 until his uncle retired in 2024. Today he works with José González López in the center of Granada.
At a Glance
- Born: June 13, 1960, Granada, Spain
- Workshop: Callejón Molino de San Martín 14, Granada (with José González López)
- Earlier workshop: the Marín family workshop, Granada (1974–2024)
- Training: with his uncle, Antonio Marín Montero, from age 14 (1974), together with José González López
- Guitars: classical guitars in the Marín style, including the “Bouchet” model; flamenco guitars in the manner of Francisco Simplicio
- School: the Granada school of guitar making
Learning from Antonio Marín Montero
José Marín Plazuelo was born in Granada on June 13, 1960. He is the nephew of Antonio Marín Montero. In 1974, when he was just 14 years old, he started working alongside his uncle, where he and José González López learned how to build instruments. From the very beginning, José’s uncle praised his nephew’s work.
Classical and Flamenco Guitars from the Marín Workshop
José follows Antonio Marín’s technique and makes his guitars in the traditional Spanish way. For fifty years he worked in the family workshop beside his uncle, one of the most prestigious luthiers in the world, making his own guitars there. When Antonio retired in 2024 and closed the workshop, José and José González López moved to the center of Granada, where they now work out of Callejón Molino de San Martín 14. José’s classical guitars are mainly inspired by the experience acquired from his uncle – among them the “Bouchet” model, with the bracing that Antonio Marín learned from his friend Robert Bouchet. His flamenco guitars, however, are similar to those of Francisco Simplicio (1874–1932), the legendary guitar maker from Catalonia.
In the Workshop
Many José Marín Plazuelo guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is José Marín Plazuelo?
A guitar maker from Granada, born in 1960, and the nephew of Antonio Marín Montero, with whom he worked from 1974 until 2024.
Where are José Marín Plazuelo guitars made?
Since 2024 in his workshop at Callejón Molino de San Martín 14, in the center of Granada, Spain, which he shares with José González López; before that in the Marín family workshop.
What is the Plazuelo “Bouchet” model?
A classical guitar nearly identical to his uncle Antonio Marín’s “Bouchet” model, with a lighter 5-fan bracing system and an under-bridge brace first used by Robert Bouchet.
