Paracho builders

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Paracho builders

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a_arnold

Posts: 558
Joined: Jul. 30 2006

Paracho builders

I worked in the Smithsonian musical instrument restoration lab from 1966-1969 (worked mostly on harpsichords rather than guitars), and during that time my boss (Scott O'dell) had the enviable assignment of travelling the world researching the best guitar makers for the museum. One of his trips took him to Paracho. At that time, his opinion was that there were some good guitars being made there, well worth the price, but that they still weren't up to the Spanish standard. (His top pick at the time was Manuel de la Chica, whom he considered to be the equal of anyone building in Spain at the time, and in 1967 his prices were slightly more than half of a top-of-the-line Ramirez, so I bought 2. Still have them.)

I'm going to go to Paracho soon, and would love to hear some opinions on who are the best builders (not best for the money, but best best).

I've heard good things about Salvador Castillo since he won his national award, and Benito Huipe's name comes up repeatedly, although he may not be building anymore.

Who's best in Paracho and environs (there are a few in Morelia)? There are far too many builders for one person to visit all the shops, so I need to target my shopping. Any thoughts would be welcome.

Tony Arnold

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 3 2006 18:00:27

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: Paracho builders (in reply to a_arnold)

Unless his a different builder, de la Chica was a builder from Spain:

http://www.azstarnet.com/public/commerce/zavaletas/greene/zgranada.htm

Arturo Huipe should be on your list, although a bit of conjecture as to who (if not him) builds his guitars has been floating around awhile. Benito (Arturo's uncle) is back in Paracho and still building. It seems the two are having a bit of a family battle.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 3 2006 18:51:36

a_arnold

Posts: 558
Joined: Jul. 30 2006

RE: Paracho builders (in reply to Patrick)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Patrick

Unless his a different builder, de la Chica was a builder from Spain:

Yes, I went to Granada to buy it. Placeta de la Silleria 8, just down the hill from the Alhambra. His shop was no larger than the footprint of an SUV. I ended up living there for a while, taking lessons from Rafael Morales. Also bought one of Morales' guitars as a banger.

I don't know if Chica's shop is still there, was inherited by another maker or not. Haven't been back since.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 4 2006 2:58:20

nhills

Posts: 230
Joined: Jul. 13 2003
From: West Des Moines, IA USA

RE: Paracho builders (in reply to a_arnold)

I have a de la Chica blanca - cheap student guitar, but great sound!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 4 2006 15:17:52

seanm

Posts: 169
Joined: Apr. 5 2005
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia

RE: Paracho builders (in reply to a_arnold)

I have a Juan Huipe (possibly the father of Arturo as I saw mentioned elsewhere) from 1999. It is very, very loud, very flamenco with a great neck angle and perfect intonation. Not the finest detail with regard to workmanship but I was really taken by how good this guitar is. Might be worth checking him out.

Sean

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 4 2006 15:22:45