John Ray – Master Luthier of Granada | Handmade Classical Guitar & Interview

This video features a special interview and performance with acclaimed Canadian-born luthier John Ray, who has been building classical and flamenco guitars in Granada, Spain, for decades.

John Ray is deeply rooted in the Andalusian luthiery tradition, blending classical Spanish techniques with his own refined approach. His guitars are known for their warmth, clarity, and exceptional responsiveness — instruments crafted not just to be played, but to be heard and felt.

In this video, recorded in Granada in 2025, we hear his guitar — an exquisite example of his craftsmanship — in a performance of “Granada” by Isaac Albéniz. Built with a strong focus on tone balance and expressive dynamics, this guitar projects with natural resonance, rich mids, and singing trebles, perfectly suited for Spanish classical repertoire.

The video opens with a short interview with John Ray where he shares insights about his philosophy as a luthier, the voice he seeks in his guitars, and his journey as a craftsman in Granada — one of the world’s historical centers for guitar making.

The performance was captured using Nevaton MC59C microphones, preserving the full detail and nuance of the instrument’s voice.

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📍 Location: Granada, Spain, 2025
🎸 Luthier: John Ray
🪕 Guitar: Handmade Classical Guitar by John Ray
🎼 Piece: “Granada” by Isaac Albéniz
🎙 Microphones: Nevaton MC59C
🎥 With: Interview and performance