Born in Granada in 1946, the Spanish luthier Francisco (Paco) Santiago Marin was but twelve, when he began working as cabinet maker. Later, he apprenticed as a guitar maker with his uncle Antonio Marin  Montero, because he realized that if one wishes to become a great maker.

Felix Manzanero retired in 2010, and until recently his shop was closed. His son, Ivan Manzanero, (b. 1960), who trained under his father, and built his first guitar in 1979, decided recently to reopen the shop. The Spanish luthier Felix Manzanero was born in Madrid in 1937. He had learned a little about guitar making from Modesto Borreguero (1893-1969)-- who been trained by Manuel Ramirez (1864-1916)-- and was a friend of the family.