LOCAL LEGENDS: LUTHIERS OF MADRID

Madrid is a city that sings. Behind its sound is a quiet but powerful tradition of craftsmanship. While you're here, take time to explore the work of some of the city's most respected luthiers—artists who handcraft guitars that are as soulful as the music they help create. These makers don’t just build instruments. They shape sound. They preserve heritage. And they offer a window into the rich cultural roots of Spanish music. Each workshop is a chance to witness artistry up close and take home more than just a memory.

What is a luthier?

A luthier is someone who builds or repairs stringed instruments. But in Spain, it means something more. The craft dates back centuries and was once practiced by lauderos and citoleros, early artisans who later formed the guild of violeros. These were the makers of the earliest Spanish guitars, and today, Madrid is still home to some of their most dedicated successors.

Manuel Rodriguez

Manuel Rodríguez was raised in his father’s guitar workshop, surrounded by sawdust and sound. His journey took him from Madrid to Los Angeles and back again. Over the years, his instruments have been played by greats like Andrés Segovia. His designs honor tradition while embracing modern techniques.

His new store is located right here in UMusic Hotel Madrid. Guests can explore his latest guitars and learn more about the deep connection between craftsmanship, flamenco, and place. This isn’t just a guitar shop. It’s a celebration of heritage and an invitation to be part of something lasting.

Guitarras Ramírez

It takes over 14,000 parts to build a Ramírez guitar. That level of detail has drawn legendary musicians like Andrés Segovia, Francisco Tárrega, Paco de Lucía, George Harrison, and Eric Clapton. The story began in 1882, when José Ramírez opened his first workshop after training with Francisco González.

Today, the fifth generation leads the brand from their shop at Calle General Margallo, 10. Cristina, José Enrique, and Amalia Ramírez continue to innovate using woods like red cedar, Indian and Madagascan palo santo, fir, and cypress. Some of their materials have been aged for over 60 years. You can visit the workshop to see the process firsthand or even find one of their guitars on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Felipe Conde

The Conde family workshop, located just a few minutes from Teatro Real, has been building guitars for more than a century. Their instruments have been played by Paco de Lucía, Pepe Habichuela, Bob Dylan, and many others. Domingo Esteso founded the original workshop in 1882, after training with Manuel Ramírez. His wife handled the varnishing, and his nephew and later his son joined the trade as well.

Now, Felipe Conde works alongside his children, María and Felipe, continuing a legacy built on respect for tradition and a close relationship with musicians. The shop welcomes visitors and offers a unique view into the evolution of Spanish guitar-making.

Yunah Park

In the heart of Malasaña, Yunah Park builds classical Spanish guitars by hand. She’s the only Korean woman in the world doing this work, and she learned her craft from Madrid luthier Ángel Benito. She first came to Spain hoping to become a guitar teacher, but decided she wanted to build her own instrument instead.

It took a year of observation before she made her first guitar. Now, people gather outside her shop to watch her at work. She selects wood based on tone, elasticity, and aesthetic beauty. The result is a guitar with a distinctly Spanish voice and a story in every string.

UMusic

At UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle, we believe in creating experiences that connect people with culture. By supporting local artists and craftspeople, we help guests discover the soul of each city we call home. In Madrid, that means music, memory, and the hands that bring it all to life.