The Spanish luthier Pedro Maldonado (1929-2020) was born in Loja, Granada. His stature among Spanish luthiers is such that Luis F. Leal Pinar devotes an entire chapter in "Guitarreros de Andalucia" (2004) to him. From early childhood already, Pedro was already learning wood working skills in father’s carpentry shop, and fashioning pieces of wood into guitar shapes. In 1950, eager to become a guitar maker, Pedro went to Granada, apprenticing first with the venerable Manuel de la Chica (1911-1998), and later with Miguel Robles (1902-1970), who he credits as being his primary mentor. During his time in Granada, he also forged a close friendship with the esteemed luthier Eduardo Ferrer; and, although he never formally apprenticed under him, claimed to have benefited enormously of his advice.

In 1959, Pedro open his own workshop, "La Casa Maldonado," in Loja, but 5 years later moved to Malaga, where he continued to develop his art, and make fine handmade classical and flamenco guitars. His classical guitars have been bought by concert artists such as Los Romeros, Eliot Fisk, Jan Walf, Cecilia Peigel, Angelo Gilardino, Francisco Doblas, Arturo F. Jasso, among many others.

Pedro Maldonado’s luthiery skills are fully displayed in this guitar. It is crafted of the finest grade woods: superb German spruce and striking Brazilian rosewood. The owner purchased this guitar from Pedro Sr. in Malaga in 2007, and lovingly cared for it. With the except of a string burn beneath the b string, and a one cm scratch on the side— the finish looks almost new. This guitar is in excellent condition, and needs no repairs. It is set up as a classical guitar at standard 4/3mm at the 12th fret, but there is ample bone on the saddle, should one desire, to lower the action.