Marcelino Lopez Nieto - 1966
Marcelino Lopez Nieto - 1966
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Marcelino Lopez Nieto (1931-2018) was one of the most emblematic Madrilène luthiers of the second half of the twentieth century. He was a talented guitar player and studied guitar performance under the guidance of Daniel Fortea for five years. He opened his first workshop in 1949 at the very young age of 18 years, just after having finished his apprenticeship as a cabinet-maker. He later worked in the prestigious Hernandez y Aguado workshop. Marcelino Lopez Nieto’s life was dedicated to art and guitar, and he left a great mark in the Spanish guitar making history.About the guitar
This outstanding guitar perfectly embodies the essence of what is often referred to as the golden age of the classical guitar—the 1960s. Built in the traditional Madrid style, it reflects the robust and resonant tonal character that defined this period. The sound is bold, thick, and full of song, with a fast and articulate response to right-hand technique, making it a truly engaging instrument to play. As expected from a fine Madrid-style guitar, it features excellent volume and projection, ideal for both solo performance and ensemble playing. The responsiveness of the instrument offers the player dynamic control and expressive freedom, making it not only a historically significant guitar but also one that meets the demands of today’s concert repertoire.Condition
This guitar is in very good condition. It exhibits the typical thin cracks next to the fingerboard, commonly found in guitars of this age, but the soundboard remains structurally solid and beautifully preserved. There are two well-repaired cracks on the sides, which have been professionally addressed and have no influence on the sound or playability of the instrument.Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.