Born in Granada in 1939, Manual López Bellido apprenticed a cabinet maker at the age of 13. At 16, he apprenticed with Eduardo Ferrer, spending the next four years there.  After doing his military service, in 1960 he opened his own workshop, and worked with Antonio Marin Montero, for a number of years. Manuel uses the traditional method of construction inspired by those of Antonio Torres, but  through years of experience has developed numerous distinctive innovations of his own.  As with most traditional luthiers his production is limited. Among the flamenco artists who have purchased his guitars are Juan Carmona "El Habichuela," Tomatito,  Victor J. Moreno, and Manolo Brenes. This guitar is in excellent shape: no repairs, no replacements; and, no repairs that are needed. As may be expected on a flamenco guitar, there are some rasgueos marks below tap plate; some marks from the thumb nail resting on 6 strings at rosette; and, there is a string ding behind the bridge at the 1st string. The setup is very good, and there is enough bone on the saddle to lower the action if needed. PLEASE NOTE: THIS GUITAR IS IN CANADA. THE SELLER WILL SHIP IT TO THE USA OR ELSEWHERE CANADA FOR $300 US OR TO EUROPE FOR $375 US.