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Antonio Marin Montero, 1972

$13,000.00

Cedar / CSA Rosewood

Overview

This 1972 Antonio Marin Montero is a remarkable and extraordinarily powerful "pre Bouchet" example from one of Granada’s most influential luthiers. Built before Marin’s collaboration with Robert Bouchet, this instrument represents an important early period in his work, with all the hallmarks of his emerging style paired with a surprisingly commanding voice.

The Brazilian rosewood back and sides are beautiful, dramatic, and exceptionally well preserved. The guitar shows classic Marin features from this era, including his traditional cedar soundboard and his older rosette design, which also appears on the tie block. The guitar remains in outstanding condition with no cracks and no repairs, which is very uncommon for a 52 year old Granada instrument.

This guitar has immense power. The 660 mm scale contributes to a huge, weighty bass response that feels like dropping a sack of bricks. It is the most forceful sounding Marin Montero I have played. The trebles bloom with sweetness and color, and the entire instrument feels like it contains a full orchestra of sound. It has an unusually large presence for a Marin, with depth, bloom, and drama at every dynamic level.

Despite the long scale, the guitar is comfortable thanks to a nut width only slightly above standard at 52.5 mm, paired with a D shaped neck that fills the hand without being bulky. The setup is low and comfortable, with extra room remaining at the saddle for future adjustment. Alessi tuners complete the instrument and provide smooth and precise tuning.

This guitar belonged for many years to Vicente Coves, adding meaningful provenance to an already rare and highly expressive early Marin.

Key Features

  • Scale length: 660 mm

  • Nut width: 52.5 mm

  • Cedar soundboard

  • Brazilian rosewood back and sides

  • Early Marin rosette and tie block design

  • D shaped neck profile

  • Alessi tuners

  • Pre Bouchet period

  • Long term ownership by Vicente Coves

Condition

  • Structural: No cracks, no repairs

  • Playability: Low action with additional saddle height available

  • Cosmetic: Excellent condition with minimal wear for its age

  • Tuners: Alessi tuners working smoothly

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