Anselmo Solar Gonzalez

Anselmo Solar Gonzalez was born on September 1, 1918, in Pravia, Asturias, Spain. He was a self-taught luthier, starting his craft at the age of 12 in 1930. By 1938, he was already recognized for his talent, winning first prize at the Exposition de Artes for one of his guitars and receiving a scholarship. In 1940, he won a silver medal at the exposition in Oviedo.

In 1943, Anselmo moved to Madrid and began working with the Fernando - the brother of luthier Santos Hernandez. After Santos Hernandez's death, Anselmo continued to build guitars for Hernandez’s widow until 1948. During this period, he honed his skills alongside other renowned luthiers such as Marcelo Barbero.