Situated in the mountains of western Mexico, at 7300 feet above sea level, this small town is world famous as the source of guitars and all kinds of wooden handicrafts. Paracho is located 141 km (87 miles) west of Morelia city, south of Zamora and not far from Mt. Paricutin, in the state of Michoacan.

In this town about 60 percent of the jobs are related to the production of acoustic instruments. This includes wood sales, paints, and mechanical parts. There are factories that mass produce instruments but these are referred to as “comun” or common. Only a few of the craftsmen produce “fina” or fine instruments. The best work is done totally by hand. A fancy custom bridge may take 20 hours to craft to perfection. Custom in flayed names or designs in antique, ivory, or shell may take even more time.

The “centro para la investigacion y desarrollo de la guitarra” (center for the investigation and development of the guitar) is located here in Paracho, and every August the National Guitar fair takes place here in the town. Awards are given to the craftsmen of the finest musical instruments. Awards are also given to concert guitarists and students learning to play. The judges are usually craftsmen themselves. They closely inspect craftsmanship, detail, and tone quality. So if you are a lover of music or you like to play the guitar as I do, you should come to Paracho.

As you enter the town, guitar shops of all caliber line the streets. Mexican guitars in a tremendous range of prices and quality are available. Prices range from about $100 to $3000 USD.