Tradition

I have great respect for the work my father and grand-father and great-uncle put in and the art that was taught and passed down to me. I am guided and influenced by their memory and hope to some day leave a similar legacy.

I started working in my fathers shop at a young age doing repairs. By the age of twelve I built my first instrument, a Requinto Romantico which I still own and play to this day.

The methods my father and grandfather used to build is how I still build today.

Keeping true to the style and integrity of hand-made instruments is my intention.

My oldest daughter Ava began helping me in the shop at the age of 4. We are so proud that in 2018, at the age of 10, she finished building her first instrument – a mandolin. She broke my record by 2 years and is extending our passion and luthier tradition into its 4th generation. Her work was featured at the Tennessee Arts Commission as part of the Tennessee Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program.

William A. Biermann

I decided to return to the guitar at age 56 after recovering from a heart transplant. I wanted a single instrument that would last a life time. What I received from Manuel was a work of art that has a beautiful voice and a soul as well.

William A. Biermann (Pennsylvania) Classical Guitar-"Marta" model

Steven Delopoulos

I have played with lots of different guitars and grew up in a family of Greek musicians. The one thing I noticed immediately with Delgado guitars is that It had an authentic spirit. I got excited again for the first time in years to hold and play a guitar. The love put into the instruments built gives me the feeling that it has a heartbeat of It’s own. I look forward to writing my songs through it.

Steven Delopoulos of "Burlap to Cashmere" recording artist, singer/songwriter, guitarist.(New Jersey)

“I hear the title “Luthier” being used all the time by today’s guitar makers, yet I wonder how many of them truly understand its meaning.

For me, it not only represents my life, but the sacrifices my grandfather and father made to preserve the craft. I build guitars because I breath, and as long as God blesses me with the ability to continue creating music, this is what I plan to do. My faith in God and my appreciation of my father, grandfather, and great-uncle are what motivate me. The loved ones who are still with me are what inspire me, but the integrity of building truly handmade instruments to offer to those who have a love for music is what obligates me to my craft.

I am a Luthier. I don’t say that boasting or out of pride, but out of respect. Respect for those men who honored the craft before me and the few men and women that still honor it today.”

– Manuel A. Delgado