BUYING HAND MADE GUITARS AT PARACHO, MICHOACAN September 20
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.
glenn godshall Oct 11
Hello! I am interested in information about buying a mariachi guitar. In particular I am interested in the “Bowl Back” 5 string style. Please email me with any product and price informaiton in this regard. Do you also sell vintage instruments as well? I am hoping to find somethind in the $200 range.
Thank you.
Glenn
glenn godshall Oct 22
Hello! I am interested in information about buying a mariachi guitar. In particular I am interested in the “Bowl Back” 5 string style (vihuela guitars). Please email me with any product and price informaiton in this regard. Do you also sell vintage instruments as well? I am hoping to find somethind in the $200 range.
Thank you.
Glenn
rags Nov 9
have a small CALIDAD Dos pinos guiter made in Michoacan mexico and was wondering what it was worth. Also would like to know more information about it and it’s age.
Rex Sebazco Jan 31
Im interested in buying a Cuban Tres. can u put me in touch with a few Guitar makers that make these? Thanks Rex
Dave Gunn Feb 1
I am hoping to be in Paracho soon and I would like to buy and ship a dozen Paracho built guitars home to Canada. Whom can I contact to arrange the transport of these guitars.
Thanks
Hans Christof Höllige Feb 5
I Am interested in a vihuela and/or a guitarron. How much is it? How much is shipping to Vienna/Austria/Europe? And how can I pay?