Founder Manuel Rodriguez Sr. was the grandson of flamenco guitarist Manuel Rodriguez Marequi and son of classical luthier Manuel Rodriguez Perez. He learned the art of guitar construction as a boy in Madrid and operated his own shop in Spain before immigrating to Los Angeles, California in 1959.

Manuel spent 14 years in the United States, building instruments for professional musicians, teachers and students. In America, he learned English and started a family. At the same time, he collaborated with UCLA to research and improve guitar design.

Upon returning to Madrid in 1973, Manuel began crafting handmade concert guitars in his workshop while his apprentices produced student models for a wider audience. Since these humble beginnings, the company has won numerous awards under Manuel's leadership and his guitar construction techniques are documented in the book "The Art and Craft of Making Classical Guitars".

Manuel grew increasingly concerned about the destruction of the environment and endangered woods. Since taking the reins of the company after his father's death in 2008, Manuel Rodriguez Jr. exhibits the same passions — crafting distinctive guitars that are rich in sound, history, and beauty, together with environmental responsibility.

Most recently, Manuel Rodriguez & Sons have expanded their efforts to develop ecologically responsible guitars, showcasing them worldwide. The company focuses on the conservation of woods through carefully controlled harvesting and planting of new trees, and seeking out alternative tone-woods from non-endangered species. This responsible use of the world's natural resources is a testament to their respect for the Earth, a philosophy on which this family-run company was established.

In addition, Rodriguez actively promotes music education, Spanish culture, and aids humanitarian causes. Manuel Rodriguez Jr. often accompanies the King of Spain at meetings with world leaders to whom he presents a Rodriguez Spanish acoustic guitar. The heads of state of China, Estonia, and others have received these handmade Rodriguez guitars as a symbol of Spanish culture, embodying the joy of music, dance, and beauty. Rodriguez educates those he meets by detailing the 400-year history of the instrument and of his family business over the past century. By sharing his story, he hopes to deepen musical appreciation around the world.

Each year a special Rodriguez guitar is auctioned for the benefit of the Carter Center Foundation, an organization founded by former American President Jimmy Carter, which focuses on human rights, disease prevention, and easing human suffering in more than 70 countries. Rodriguez' support of the Carter Center Foundation further demonstrates the guitar maker's commitment to socially conscious projects.

In the world of Spanish acoustic guitars, Rodriguez's depth of experience in crafting acoustic-electric, classical, and flamenco instruments is rare. From the instrument's origins 400 years ago, to gypsy guitars of the early 19th century, to today's musicians exploring the warmth of nylon strings for folk, pop, and jazz, Rodriguez guitars are fine specimens of the perfection possible in Spanish guitar making.

View the amazing assortment of Rodriguez guitars available at Musicians Friend »