July 2026 is the 33rd anniversary of my founding of Mundo Flamenco: one-third of a century. This is certainly a reason to be proud, but not reason to rest on my laurels. That is why I have spared no expense and effort over the last six weeks to present a fantastic range of guitars. All have been online since this week with audio music samples, recorded as always by the great guitarist Mariano Martin and recorded by the super sound engineer Thomas Vogt in his studio. This has to be mentioned because I have been working with them for about 20 years and they are an important part of my shop.

I spent 4 weeks in Spain in May and June, among other things to conduct the workshop of El Amir in Granada. This year we had a total of 22 students, all of whom came highly motivated and left highly satisfied. Amir’s teaching concept is terrific. We will be offering a workshop again in 2027. The first week at the end of May (May 24-29) was almost fully booked again before I could even announce it (there is still one free place). There are still three vacancies for the workshop from May 31 to June 5. I put the details online in the week starting Monday, June 29. I was not otherwise idle during my stay in Spain. I drove 6000 km to visit all the interesting guitar makers on the way there and back and to buy new guitars for my shop.

Sixteen guitars are the result of my search. You can see all of them here in the newsletter. Javier Castaño is the newest member of my top guitar makers. New in my shop, he is already very successful in Spain. He is played by many great guitarists including Rafael Cortés, José Fermin Fernández, El Tuto, Johnny Jiménez and many more. I myself am very enthusiastic about his instruments: “Muy flamencas”. José Salinas is launching a special edition, “especial”, which I also brought with me. Absolutely worth listening to.  And last but not least, Vicente Carillo, with some of his best models, one of the best guitar makers in Spain for many decades, with unique references. Also worth mentioning is the new guitar by Francisco Barba, who is clearly defending his place at the top of the Spanish guitar builders with his cypress/cedar model. As good as it gets Its finish and magical sound are unique. There is now a top range on my website just in time for the anniversary, I hope you enjoy seeing and hearing and am always available for a personal consultation.