Carrying the torch of Spanish guitar making
- Manuel and Mikel were both apprentices at Glissando, an atelier they now manage
- The duo's mission is to preserve the art of Spanish guitar making
- Most of their guitars are custom commissions, mainly classical and flamenco models
Drawn to lutherie at a young age, both Manuel de Oliveira and Mikel Sagües joined Glissando as students, a unique school and atelier in Madrid. Soon after, they became apprentices and the closest collaborators of founder, José Antonio Cerezo. When he retired in 2023, Manuel and Mikel stepped to the forefront of the guitar school, a transition that brought with it a move to a larger, eight-station atelier in the Tetuán district. "As part of a new generation of luthiers, our mission is to keep Glissando’s core spirit, which is preserving the art of handcrafted Spanish guitar making, intact," the duo says. Manuel and Mikel regularly welcome students from Spain and abroad eager to build their own classical, flamenco or electric guitars, and continue helping new apprentices carry on Antonio’s legacy.
INTERVIEW
Both: Apprenticeship is essential. We learned this from José Antonio, who trained under master luthier Arturo Sanzano. Today, we pass on this legacy through hands-on teaching. We already have one apprentice and aim to formalise a complete programme soon.
Mikel: I studied humanities and cultural management, but my passion was always the guitar. I worked in different guitar shops before joining Glissando. As a luthier, I do enjoy electric guitars, but nothing matches building Spanish guitars. Manuel: I studied illustration and worked in furniture making. As an enthusiast of flamenco and Spanish guitar, I came to Glissando during a career pause.
Both: Most of our guitars are custom commissions, mainly classical and flamenco models, tailored to each client’s needs. Every detail, from the wood choice to the inlays and curves, is handcrafted with care and precision.
Both: Glissando fosters a two-way learning model. Students bring unique perspectives and solutions that enrich everyone’s process. It is a dynamic exchange in which we all grow as makers and constantly refine our craft.
