Domingo Esteso

Domingo Esteso (1882–1937) is regarded as one of the most influential luthiers of the Spanish guitar-making tradition. Trained in the workshop of Manuel Ramírez, he became – alongside Santos Hernández and Enrique García – a leading successor of this legendary school. After opening his own workshop, Esteso crafted exquisitely built instruments known for their refined workmanship and distinctive Spanish tone. Many of his guitars are now highly prized historical pieces. His legacy continued through his nephews Faustino and Mariano Conde, whom he trained and who later shaped the famous Conde lineage.

Discounts and Early Access

Subscribe to our weekly Siccas Guitars newsletter for immediate access to subscriber-exclusive discounts.

You may also be interested Domingo Esteso

Domingo Esteso (1882–1937) – Maestro Luthier

Domingo Esteso stands as a cornerstone of Spanish guitar-making tradition. His journey began as an apprentice in the workshop of Manuel Ramírez, and after Ramírez’s passing, he continued working under the guidance of the master’s widow, eventually placing his own name alongside Ramírez’s on the label.

Within the workshop, he collaborated with Santos Hernández and Enrique García, all three becoming distinguished heirs to the Ramírez legacy.

The guitars built during this period possess enduring qualities—both in their meticulous craftsmanship and their distinctive tonal character—that set them apart to this day.

Later, Domingo Esteso established his own workshop together with his wife, Nicolasa Salamanca, who expertly applied the lacquer finish. Located at Gavina Street No. 7, this period marks his most prolific phase, yielding instruments of exceptional beauty and flawless craftsmanship. Several of these guitars have fortunately survived and are now treasured as true artistic masterpieces.

Many of his instruments found homes outside Spain, particularly in Argentina (for which a special label for the Romero y Fernández house in Buenos Aires was produced). Due to Spain’s economic hardship at the time, a significant portion of his guitars was sold abroad despite their premium value.

In 1926, his nephew, Faustino Conde, joined the workshop, followed in 1929 by my father, Mariano Conde. This formed the foundation for the next chapter of the family tradition.

Under Domingo Esteso’s tutelage, they absorbed his techniques and mastery of Spanish guitar making. They remained with him until his passing in 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. A respiratory illness—worsened by drafts in the workshop and the absence of penicillin—sadly claimed his life. Production continued on a limited scale until 1939 due to the wartime circumstances.