Marcelino López Nieto (b. 1931-d. 2013) embarked on his journey as a luthier in 1945, a path that would span over six decades. His legacy as one of Spain's most revered and accomplished luthiers endures to this day. This guitar was number 952, was among the last guitars he built; and is an expression of his accumulated an impressive wealth of experience, and demonstrates that he was a true maestro in his craft. Marcelino López Nieto's expertise earned him a place of honor among the select few Spanish guitar makers listed by Summerfield as the finest artisans since 1800. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Marcelino was largely self-taught, a testament to his innate talent and unwavering dedication to the art of guitar making

While honing his craft, Marcelino López Nieto had the privilege of spending time in the workshop of Santos Hernandez, where he absorbed the theoretical foundations of guitar making. His insatiable curiosity and passion for the craft led him to seek knowledge and inspiration from various sources, including the widow of Santos Hernandez. Notably, between 1971 and 1975, Marcelino had the honor of crafting guitars for Hernandez y Aguado, further solidifying his reputation as a master luthier.

The guitar is based on the iconic "Leona" model crafted by Antonio de Torres in 1856 (FE04), which he once had the honor of repairing. Marcelino López Nieto meticulously recreated this masterpiece. To capture the essence of the original, Marcelino selected tonewoods that had matured for over five decades, ensuring that his creation would possess a soul deeply rooted in tradition.

Playing this guitar is akin to embarking on a journey through the heart of Spanish music and the Romantic era. Its sound exudes an unmistakably Spanish and Romantic character, capturing the essence of a bygone era. The dynamic range and kaleidoscope of colors it offers are nothing short of remarkable. The bass notes resonate with rich harmonics, their depth profound and captivating. The mid-range, marked by its strength and presence, serves as the cornerstone of this guitar's tonal excellence. The trebles, crystal clear and impeccably rounded, possess an intensity that tugs at the heartstrings of both player and listener alike. One hears in Marcelino López Nieto's guitar, not only the echoes of "Leona," but its voice is a tribute to the rich history and tradition of Spanish guitar making, a history that Marcelino both honored and enriched through his lifelong dedication to his craft.