top of page

I

Manuel Velazquez  1917-2014

I was very sad to hear that Manuel Velazquez passed away April 3, 2014.  He was a great guitar maker and an even nicer human being.  I met Manuel and his family at a guitar concert back in 1991.  We became friends soon afterwards.  He invited me to his workshop and allowed me to learm from him.  He taught me how to make fine classical guitars, for which I am ever grateful.  He was a very humble man, although a very proud man.  Proud of his family and also proud of his accomplishments as a Master guitar maker.  He lived to be 97 years old.  The last time that I saw Manuel was in 2008 when he was 91 years old.  He was still making very fine guitars at that time.  Recently, several years later, I got the news of his passing from my good friend and elite guitar dealer Beverly Maher.  She called me the day after he passed and gave me the sad news.  I can't say that it was unexpected news.  Afterall, he WAS 97 years old!  What a long and prolific life he had!  He was an amazing man and I learned a lot from him during our 17 year friendship.  He is at home now with his God.  He was a believer.  He often verbally gave the credit for his accomplishments to God.  I am also a believer.  We had that in common, which I found comforting.  The 17 years that I spent learning from Maestro Velazquez were among the best years of my creative life.  I cherish those years.  I miss those many visits to his workshop.  I can only relive those wonderful times in my memories of him.  I loved him very much.  He left behind his soul in each and every guitar that he personally constructed.  His guitars are magnificent!  He had many friends.  Everybody wanted to meet him and befriend him.  He was simply charming.  He had a great sense of humor despite his seriousness.  He loved his family and friends.  And he was not egotistical like so many famous guitar makers.  Rather, he was a very giving man, always willing to help a budding new guitar maker like myself.  In closing, I am not sad for him.  He had a great run!  He lived life to the fullest!  He became successful as a world class guitar maker.  He openly shared his knowledge.  And he encouraged new and up and coming guitar makers.  He WILL be missed.  Though he is in a better place now, in the presence of almighty God.  I will never forget Manuel Velazquez.  He was VERY good to me.  My deepest condolences to his family.

Manuel Velazquez's 90th Birthday,  2007

               Bob Desmond      Manuel Velazquez        Augi LoPrinzi

bottom of page