Guitarras Zepeda: "Handcrafted Guitars in Masaya" Nicaragua Shopping Tip by epicult

The main reason we wanted to visit Masaya was not for the volcano or the hammocks but for the guitars! It's not surprising that in Nicaragua's "artesanía" center we'd find a whole slew of guitar builders. It seems that they're everywhere.

Sergio Zepeda's family has been building quality, handcrafted guitars for three generations and he more than welcomes you to come tour his small workshop.

What to buy: In 2003, guitars started at $60 USD (cedar w/cheap fret wire) and work their way up to $140 for a mahogany and rosewood guitar (imported fret wire) w/beautiful binding and meticulously inlayed mother of pearl. You have a choice of standard and short-scale (popular in C.A.) & regular and cut-away stylings.These prices have apparently risen considerably

Regardless, anyone who knows guitars also knows that you can barely purchase a mass produced peice of "chipboard with strings" in North America for under $300. Sergio also makes mandolins. Unfortunately he does not keep shelf stock of guitars and requires that you give him a two-week lead time (preorder) if you want one of these beauties.

Had I known, I would have put in a preorder but... I happily settled for a guitar crafted by another builder that was of lesser quality.

What to pay: Cost depends on wood, fret, inlays and other custom options.

Phone: 883-0260
Theme: Local Craft