The secret to a good guitar lies in knowing how to blend the woods to achieve the right sound. This is what Martín Arévalo has learned over more than twenty years in the craft, and it’s the same knowledge he shares with anyone who sits down to talk guitars with him. Not only has he focused on building a business that distributes guitars across the country, but he has also dedicated himself to sharing his expertise, inspiring young people by showing them the step-by-step process of lutherie, encouraging them to care for instruments, and helping them fall in love with guitar-making just as he did when he discovered the harmony in its crafting. He never looked back. He had no desire to pursue any other line of work.

His journey began when he worked as a supplier of paints and adhesives for the luthiers in Bucaramanga. Upon entering that world, he noticed a widespread perception that Santander’s crafts lacked quality. Determined to change this, he sought guidance from Humberto Borges, the music professor at the Industrial University of Santander, who became his mentor. Humberto welcomed him into the ancient history of string instruments, teaching him about the changes in form, sound, and materials that have shaped that history. From Humberto, Martín learned how to make symmetrical instruments, applying the necessary techniques and measurements for producing the correct sound. He later discovered that one of his paternal uncles had been a luthier who crafted everything by hand, using a saw, knife, and chisels. This realization made him understand that his connection to guitars was no mere coincidence.

Today, the name Guitarras La Clásica echoes throughout the country, especially known for the quality of its student instruments. Anyone who encounters one of these guitars won’t forget it, and in some cases, they seek Martín out to create a personalized, exclusive guitar, like the one he made for Andrea Echeverri, featuring a heart-shaped soundhole. He has a deep affection for Colombian woods, including coffee cedar, cypress, mahogany, and his favorite, the vibrant red bitter cedar.

We must also acknowledge the social aspect of his success. With the goal of partnering with Sena to train future luthiers, he has already taken initial steps toward realizing this dream. He attends every talk he’s invited to, and whenever possible, donates guitars to centers where future musicians will be trained, knowing that awakening a single person’s love for the instrument is a win. Therefore, what brings him the most satisfaction is donating requintos, tiples, and bandolas—musical instruments typical of Boyacá and Santander. As he puts it, he helps bandoleros not by giving them a rifle, but by providing them with a bandola.