Manuel A. Delgado

With a family history of lutherie that dates back to 1928, Manuel A Delgado builds over 45 different types of string instruments by hand using old-world techniques. Manuel carries on a multi-generational family legacy of hand-crafting string instruments and is an advocate for arts education—especially in support of music educators, as he works around the Unitied States to help build music programs in schools. Delgado Guitars was named “The East Nashvillian of the Year” in 2019, and Manuel is a sitting board member of the Nashville Symphony, Arts at the Airport, ArtsEdTN, and Leadership Music. Find out more at www.delgadoguitars.com.

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Manuel A. Delgado

Acoustic Soundboard: A Luthiery Legacy Measured in Years—and Generations

A nearly 100-year-old family business, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and the daughters carrying the tradition forward.

A Custom-Made Irish-Mexican Bouzouki

Our columnist blended his families’ cultures to create a unique instrument.

Nylon Strings, Endless Possibilities

The classical guitar continues to evolve.

¡Viva la Vihuela!

A Modern Guitar Inspired by Old-World Acoustic Instruments

Drawing on the appointments of the traditional acoustic instruments that have been the Delgado family’s stock-in-trade for three generations, a new take on the Tele is born.

Restoring a Romantic-Era Acoustic with Ties to the U.S. Presidency

This centuries-old instrument, which belonged to the daughter-in-law of President Andrew Jackson, has witnessed almost 200 years of American history.

The Transcontinental History of the Tres Cubano

Our columnist traces the history of the 6-string Cuban tres—from Africa, to Cuba, to the top of American country music.

Mariachi’s Music Teachers Are Leading the Way

Dedicated educators across the U.S. are bringing mariachi to young musicians, and creating an exciting future for music.

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Manuel A. Delgado

A nearly 100-year-old family business, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and the daughters carrying the tradition forward.

Our columnist blended his families’ cultures to create a unique instrument.

The classical guitar continues to evolve.

Drawing on the appointments of the traditional acoustic instruments that have been the Delgado family’s stock-in-trade for three generations, a new take on the Tele is born.

This centuries-old instrument, which belonged to the daughter-in-law of President Andrew Jackson, has witnessed almost 200 years of American history.

Our columnist traces the history of the 6-string Cuban tres—from Africa, to Cuba, to the top of American country music.

Dedicated educators across the U.S. are bringing mariachi to young musicians, and creating an exciting future for music.