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Antonio Marin Montero, 2014

Spruce / CSA Rosewood

This 2014 Antonio Marin Montero is one of the more meaningful instruments I’ve had the honor of representing—formerly owned and concertized on by my close friend and colleague Sam Hines. Between 2016 and 2019, Sam and I traveled the country together competing, performing, and sharing rooms—and I heard this guitar in every kind of setting imaginable: stairwells, practice rooms, hotel rooms, green rooms, and concert halls.

Sam won numerous competitions with this very guitar, and recorded a full professional album on it. His tone and artistry were inextricably linked to this instrument, and I’m proud to now offer it through GuitarCollection.com.

This is the Bouchet model, inspired by the legendary French luthier Robert Bouchet, with whom Antonio Marin Montero had a personal friendship and mutual exchange of knowledge. Marin Montero's Bouchet models are sought after for their refined tonal sophistication and power—and this guitar is a stellar example.

It has been professionally maintained and has a number of tasteful upgrades:

A 20th fret added by renowned luthier Richard Brune
The neck was slimmed and re-profiled for easier playability by Brune
High-end Alessi tuners installed for smooth, precise tuning

While the guitar shows visible wear—particularly on the top, which bears many honest scratches and rasgueado marks—there are no cracks in the soundboard, and it is structurally solid throughout. Several cracks in the three-piece Brazilian rosewood back were previously repaired professionally and long ago.

But this guitar is all about seasoned tone—it has been played in thoroughly, and has reached a level of responsiveness and projection that few Marin guitars, even brand-new ones, can match.

Key Features

Top: Spruce, aged to a warm honey color
Back & Sides: Three-piece Brazilian Rosewood
Bracing: Bouchet-style fan bracing
Neck: Spanish Cedar, custom re-profiled (slim, C-shaped)
Fingerboard: Ebony
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 52mm
Tuners: Alessi
Other Upgrades: 20th fret added by Richard Brune

Sound & Playability

What sets this Marin apart is how it bridges tradition and power. While it retains the elegance and color of a classic Granada instrument, it also has startling projection and sustain—qualities that allowed it to hold its own next to double tops and lattice-braced modern guitars in live competitions.

The fundamental is prominent and clear, lending an immediacy and directness to the tone that modern players appreciate. The basses are deep and rich, with a responsive growl, while the trebles are lyrical and colorful. Sustain is excellent, even in higher registers.

This guitar rewards expressive playing. Its dynamic range, tonal palette, and seasoned openness make it ideal for someone who wants a guitar with soul, history, and proven performance.

Condition

Well-played and concertized, with visible wear to the top (scratches, rasgueado marks, finish swirls). Professionally repaired back cracks.

No structural issues. Neck, frets, and action are excellent and performance-ready.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a pristine collector’s piece, this is not the guitar for you. But if you want the very best-sounding Antonio Marin Montero—a guitar that has proven itself on stage, in the studio, and in competition—this is an extraordinary opportunity.

A heartfelt congratulations to Antonio Marin Montero for this masterwork, and to Sam Hines for the legacy he left with it.

For purchase inquiries, contact evan@guitarcollection.com.