Juan Montero Aguilar, (Marchena, Sevilla b. 1929 - D. Córdoba 1991)
The Spanish luthier Juan Montero Aguilera was born in Marchena, (Sevilla) in 1929. Like many guitar makers, Juan Montero Aguilera and his brother Francisco were cabinet makers before taking up guitar construction. In 1950 the brothers moved to Cordoba to their military service. They decide to set up a cabinetry shop, and come to know the flamenco world. In 1960, at his brother's initiative they began building classical and flamenco guitars.
After his brother moved to Barcelona in 1964, Juan seriously devoted himself to the study of construction, and to developing his own design. Since 1960, Juan has built more than 850 guitars. In building guitars, he uses, top grade, aged woods, at least 20 years old. Juan Montero's stature among Spanish luthiers is such that Luis F. Leal Pinar devotes an entire chapter in "Guitarreros de Andalucia" (2004) to him.
Among the many professional guitarists and artists who appear in his registry of customers are Juan Serrano (who has used his guitars on virtually all his recordings since 1990), Paco de Lucia, Paco Cepero, Vicente Amigo, Paco de Gastor, Eloy de Diego, José Luis Postigo, Manolo Dominguez, Pepe Morales, Juan Muñez El Tomate, Rafael Riqueni, Antonio de Patrocinio, Antonio Romero Pantoja, Hermanos Flores, Carlos Piñana de Cartagena, Adolfo Rábanos de Logroño, Alberto Lucena de Cordoba, Paco del Gastor de Morón, José Antonio Rodríguez, Luis Calderito, Manuel Silveria, Pepe Corraliza, and Enrique de Melchor.
Miguel Rodriguez Beneyto (Córdoba, b. 1888 – d. 1975)
Miguel Rodriguez Beneyto (Córdoba 1888-c.1975).
Miguel Rodriguez Beneyto was born in Córdoba in 1888. As a teenager, he developed a passion for string instruments, including the guitar and bandurria, which eventually led him to begin crafting instruments. Although many sources claim he apprenticed with Rafael Casana, a luthier trained by José Ramírez, the Rodriguez family reportedly denies this.
At around 18 years old, Rodriguez established his first workshop on Calle Barberos. About three years later, he relocated to Calle San Fernando, and in 1939, he moved again to his final workshop location on Calle Alfaros.
In 1933, his twin sons, Rafael and Miguel Jr., joined him in the workshop at the age of 12. Over time, the instruments produced by the workshop became collaborative efforts. Miguel Rodriguez was known for his meticulous craftsmanship. For example, he kept wood from each guitar he made to ensure repairs could be done using the exact same materials.
Juan Montero Aguilar who knew Rodriguez, recounted a story that exemplifies Miguel’s dedication to quality. On one occasion, while visiting Juan's workshop with one of his sons, Miguel admired the precise interior work on a guitar. When his son remarked, "Why bother? No one will see it," Miguel replied, "The maker can see it. That's enough."
Rafael Rodriguez Serranco (Córdoba, b. 1931 – d. 1975)
Miguel Sr. passed away in 1975. Tragically, his son Rafael predeceased him at the age of 44. Today, Rodriguez classical and flamenco guitars are highly sought after, with their value continuing to rise. Miguel Jr. is also believed to have passed away recently.
Miguel Rodriguez Serrano (Córdoba, b. 1921 – d. 1998)
Miguel Rodriguez Jr. was one of Miguel Rodriguez Beneyto's twin sons. At the age of 12, Miguel and his brother Rafael began their apprenticeships under their father. In 1945, Miguel married Rafaela Alamo Urbano, and they had two sons, Miguel and José.
After Rafael’s untimely death in 1965 and his father's passing in the mid-1970s, Miguel Jr. took over the family workshop. He continued the tradition of excellence in guitar making until his death in 1998.
Rafael Rodriguez Serrano (Córdoba, b. 1921 – d. 1965)
Rafael Rodriguez Serrano, Miguel Rodriguez Beneyto’s other twin son, also began learning guitar making under his father’s guidance at the age of 12. Sadly, Rafael died prematurely in 1965, cutting short his promising career.
José ("Pepe") Rodriguez Alamo (Córdoba, b. 1941 – d. 1996)
José Rodriguez Alamo, known as "Pepe," was the son of Miguel Rodriguez Serrano. Unlike his brother Miguel, who pursued an industrial career, Pepe continued the family’s guitar-making tradition. In addition to crafting guitars, Pepe served as a professor at the Conservatory of Music in Córdoba. He remained active in the family business until his death in 1996.