Paul Aguilera

Luthier, Classical & Flamenco Guitar Specialist

I have been involved with the Spanish guitar for 45 years. For the last 30, I have specialized exclusively in making classical and flamenco guitars, first in the UK, and now from my workshop in the Sierras Chicas de Córdoba, Argentina.

 

Training & Background

Two years in the workshop of Master Luthier Stephen Hill (UK) 

 

BSc in Musical Instrument Technology, studying under David Whiteman at London University 

 

MA in Ethnomusicology, SOAS, University of London (2000) 

 

Professionally making and repairing guitars and other plucked stringed instruments since 2001

 

My guitar making skills have been honed over many years and I have  gained a reputation for constructing high quality guitars which are sought after for their sound and workmanship.

 

Competitions & Recognition

 

1st Prize, Tucumán Triennial Makers Competition, Argentina (2019) — celebrating 75 years of the Tucumán School of Lutherie, the oldest guitar-making school of its kind in Latin America

 

Finalist, Antonio Marín Montero Guitarreros Competition, Granada, Spain (2022) — one of the most prestigious guitar making competitions in the world 

 

Invited juror, Tucumán Triennial (Sept 2022), including a series of lectures on the Spanish guitar

 

2026 Awarded 3rd Prize in the Antonio Marín Montero Guitarreros Competition, Granada Spain.

 

My guitars are now exclusively sold in America and Europe on the prestigious Guitar Salon International Site.

Teaching

 

I've been teaching guitar making for almost 15 years, to students from all over the world, using a mix of traditional hand-tool techniques and modern jig and machine work. My teaching is structured, but there's always room for creativity.

 

I build and teach with the player in mind. The two things I focus on most are the beauty of the tone and the playability of the finished instrument.