Why I Play Mexican Guitars | Paracho

When most people think of guitars, they might picture iconic American brands like Gibson or Fender. But did you know that some of the world’s best guitars are built in Paracho, Mexico?

Paracho is a small town located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, and it is known as the guitar-making capital of Mexico. The town has a rich history of guitar-making that dates back to the 16th century when Spanish missionaries brought stringed instruments to the region. Since then, guitar-making has become an integral part of the town’s culture and economy.

The guitars built in Paracho are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, sound quality, and unique designs. The town has a thriving community of luthiers (guitar makers) who are highly skilled and passionate about their craft. These craftsmen use traditional techniques and tools to build guitars that are highly sought after by musicians and collectors around the world.

Jose Luis Diaz Reyes was a highly skilled guitar builder from Paracho, Mexico. He came from a long line of luthiers and built guitars for over 50 years. His work is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Reyes used only the finest materials, including local woods like cedar and rosewood, to create his instruments. He is particularly known for his classical guitars, which are highly sought after by professional musicians around the world. Reyes is deeply passionate about his craft and takes great pride in the fact that his guitars are not just beautiful works of art, but also produce exceptional sound quality. His dedication to his art has earned him a reputation as one of the finest guitar builders in Mexico.

Another well-known Paracho guitar maker is Germán Vázquez Rubio. Vázquez Rubio has been building guitars since he was a teenager and is now considered one of the best luthiers in the world. His guitars are known for their powerful, clear sound and beautiful design. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Smithsonian Folkways certification.

The guitars built in Paracho are made from a variety of woods, including cedar, rosewood, and mahogany. The craftsmen in Paracho pay careful attention to the wood selection and use only the highest quality materials to ensure that the guitars sound and look their best. They also use traditional techniques like hand-carving and hand-polishing to create the intricate designs that make these guitars so unique.

In addition to their exceptional quality, the guitars built in Paracho are also relatively affordable compared to guitars built by larger, more well-known brands. This affordability has made them popular among both professional musicians and amateurs alike.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality guitar with a unique design and exceptional sound quality, you should consider a guitar built in Paracho, Mexico. The craftsmen in this small town have honed their skills over centuries, and their guitars are some of the best in the world. So next time you’re in the market for a new guitar, consider looking beyond the big brands and exploring the rich tradition of guitar-making in Paracho.