The Soulful Art of a Flamenco Guitar

Conde guitars have been inspiring artists from Leonard Cohen to Bob Dylan. They are made in a humble basement workshop in Madrid by a third generation of artisans.
Video by Gloria Kurnik and Leila Hussain
MADE is a Bloomberg Digital Original series focusing on craftspeople and their premium wares, all made the hard way.
Like this video? Subscribe: kzbin.info?sub_...
Become a Quicktake Member for exclusive perks: kzbin.infojoin
QuickTake Originals is Bloomberg's official premium video channel. We bring you insights and analysis from business, science, and technology experts who are shaping our future. We’re home to Hello World, Giant Leap, Storylines, and the series powering CityLab, Bloomberg Businessweek, Bloomberg Green, and much more.
Subscribe for business news, but not as you've known it: exclusive interviews, fascinating profiles, data-driven analysis, and the latest in tech innovation from around the world.
Visit our partner channel QuickTake News for breaking global news and insight in an instant.

[@-bnqe-3119]

Craftmanship - hopefully it will never die out ...

[@deldia]

- BnQE - it’s the only way. You can’t make a guitar without it being handmade.

[@mongoharry]

Don't want crafstmanship to die out? That's why we need socialism. Realistically, I'm certain Amazon will eventually come out with some kind of ersatz flamenco guitar...and years from now, that'll be the best we have.

[@MiikeyLawless]

lol no. Guitars arent a "need"...so they will die out in a socialist system.

[@deldia]

ZBop stop talking crap. Robotics are not going to take over flamenco guitar making for a long time and if they do they’ll probably be better and cheaper allowing poorer people access to better tools. You have it backwards. Wanting things to be expensive harms the poor.

[@deldia]

ZBop stop talking crap. Music is as strong as ever. There has always been terrible music written for vacuous commercial reasons. The reason the music from the 60s is highly thought of is only the best music survived and is pre-filtered by the passage of time. In many way music and greatly moved on since then. Go have a look at all of the history of people saying music is getting worse. People protested like crazy when the piano got popular because it meant less musicians would be needed. Yawn. There are poor people in the US, but there were always more years ago. Much more. Poverty is reducing. There are very clear statistics about world hunger and diseases and life expectancy.

[@gordonbradley199]

All of that by hand, and eye, and manual skill ? Incredible !

[@bug273]

Yep, just like in the past, when machines doesn't rule our world. Cheers

[@SAZIZMUSIC]

$8000 for a reason XDD

[@akbarallardfreichmann2938]

At least 3 generation guitar builders reasons.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

The "Spanish" method of making guitars, while the "German" method is everything carefully planned and measured..

[@pahwraith]

@@pharmerdavid1432 every piece of wood is different and unique.

[@csb65536]

I came upon a Conde back in the early 90’s at a pawn shop of all places. I knew absolutely nothing about Spanish guitars. But it looked be made of Brazilian rosewood. So I purchased it for the large sum of $59.00 dollars. Still not knowing for sure what I had, I did some research and found a specialist of classical guitars who looked it over then offered me $4000. As tempting as it was, I chose to keep it. I still own it, and while it’s a much better guitar than I will ever be as a player, it’s still my pride and joy. I love this video.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

CS B, Wow!

[@jaimegarcia9408]

CSB, the spanish guitar are the best. Are more sicle to the tradition. Conde hermanos, remirez, alhambras etc

[@SexyAlien2]

CS B, Amazing! And I am glad you kept it. I don't think you could've gotten anything more meaningful than this guitar with 4000$.

[@Wabi-sabi8551]

Pawn shops are the absolute best places to hunt for criminally undervalued Guitars. Knowledge truly is power.

[@JTMarlin8]

Thanks to Google, pawn shops won't be making that mistake again in this day and age. Nice score.

[@ironmountain7907]

There's something deeply romantic about this video, I really admire her craft.

[@graydation]

A beautiful woman making beautiful instruments!

[@sallyzimmerman5734]

Fascinating! How profound that you could make a connection with your grandfather through the wood that he saved for you and the guitar making legacy that he left you.

[@rikkkretue4945]

Very rare

[@willieboy8798]

many cultures pass down .....my grandpa taught his grandkids farming and being independent..... my dad taught us the tractor will change but you still need to break the soil....

[@pawpawno1]

Beautiful woman Beautiful soul Beautiful work Beautiful music

[@xavierfranco5800]

I'm in love with her beauty, craftmanship, and passion.

[@John-wr6yo]

I have deep respect and admiration for this beautiful young luthier. There is nothing better than to find and fulfill one's destiny.

[@Tonetwisters]

This video blesses my heart, enormously, and I am just a minute and 20 in ... This will mean nothing to anyone reading what I write ... But I fell in love with the guitar when my first grade teacher read us a book about a classical guitar building family from Spain ... back in 1953. From that book, my love for the guitar grew until I became a guitarist myself, starting in 1959, and seriously, in 1961, and until this day (31March2019), more than 57 years later. Some of the very first things I learned, was Flamenco that my grandmother taught me. I cannot describe the joy I feel, in seeing that little book come to life, and the craftsmanship continued by a beautiful young woman, no less, who is absolutely precious to boot. How cool is that?

[@lobstrocity5534]

Very cool. Thank you for sharing and may you play for many more years to come😎

[@yokehuatgoh]

"...in flamenco, we want soul…" yess!! soul is everything..

[@byroncortezmusic1327]

What a true beauty. A guitar is a piece of someone’s passion & craft ✨🔥

[@virginiahelzainka]

this makes me wanna go to spain and learn how to make guitar, maybe learn to be an apprentice for 10 years before starting my own workshop back in my country

[@1AvW1]

If that is really your conviction, lady, you should GO and DO that!

[@kieraflowers9928]

Dutch Eagle I second that !

[@JoLeng205000]

Please come and don’t hesitate!

[@Elite1181]

virginia helzainka here in Mexico you can go to Paracho, Michoacan, it's a very old city and you can find the best hand made guitars in the world.

[@Belioyt]

@@kieraflowers9928 I third that

[@tawfikakkad]

Just heard Jesse Cook playing his new Conde guitar ,, music from heaven ..

[@Kavish_Luchmun]

When we play guitar, we feel the heart and soul given when crafting the guitar!! It's difficult to explain with words, but once we have one between our hands, that guitar is priceless. You're doing a a wonderful job miss!! 👏👏👏

[@JLFranc000]

my name is franco, my family history is from spain .although I have never been there, your family business and story captured my heart. beautiful work!

[@urospiljevic5427]

My guitar is watching me watching this

[@sircentromero]

Is jealous.

[@pepiluci75]

How dare you 🙂

[@TheBabs000]

Outdoors & Indoors 😂😂😂

[@FaOut]

hahahaha=) mine too

[@rcpmac]

Put mine in the case, figured it shouldn't hear real playing

[@alvinwriters-2394]

Makes me realize how precious such guitars really are.

[@Jsalguero1]

Amazing video. I was fortunate to have visted the Conde workshop last March and am now a proud owner....

[@Debragamero]

I can see two beauties in this video: The flamenco guitar and her maker. What a heavenly combination!. (I am quoting my husband).

[@lidiaesterdiaz1641]

Yo toco la guitarra desde que estaba en primer grado y me gusta mucho admiro a Atahualpa Yupanqui y a Carlos gardel

[@JuanBenavides-ej2km]

Que lindo ver una dama trabajando la madera , transformandola en una guitarra , felicitaciones soy Chileno y tambien soy constructor de guitarras .

[@akbarnicolas4047]

guitarrist at the end is Jeronima Maya,always recommends Conde guitars,so sweet to see him in this video)

[@ElCapitan88]

I love her accent. Omg

[@shellygarrison7661]

@cuallito ; - )

[@cicimbello]

I m guitar player from Croatia, I m playin for 25 years and this is most beautiful thing I ever saw, a beautiful woman making beautiful guitars, I m in love!

[@aa7693]

What beauty in craftsmanship that transforms wood into music.

[@eugeniovasquez3780]

The feeling of wood in my haands.... love it seriously thx for this

[@b00034211]

wonderful videography and story telling. loved it!! loved the intimate sounds of guitar making, the lady has a nice voice too. the way you played with the focus at 5:37, niiiiiiiice.

[@antoniotorres-gx1ny]

Me encantó !! No hay palabras. Viva la tradición y la música de nuestra tierra !!

[@banzospod]

I'm so lucky to live in almeria( the home of the original moden style of guitar) and am surrounded by great guitars,great players,and the passion of my spanish neighbors.

[@thomasmadden293]

Thank you for sharing that amazing story about family and your shared passion. May you pass it along to your grandchildren.

[@habsom1406]

The beautiful lady has elegant hands and fingers, beautiful attention to detail and so articulate and well spoken. Love her story. Excellent videography and editing capturing the earthy passionate flamenco vibe. I would love to own one of these guitars one day!

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

The most lovely music I ever heard in my life.

[@khiemq.nguyen233]

It makes me appreciate a handmade guitar much more ! Thank you!

[@JudgeFredd]

Everything is beautiful in this video

[@looqischmidt5581]

Mind blowing peace of art. Awesome.

[@robertsmith4019]

I've had my FC28 for 4 years, it's an incredibly precisely made instrument and it continues to improve. Me encanta mi guitarra.

[@AlvinDRamirez]

This is awe-inspiring how such guitars are kind of imbued with the maker's soul.

[@josecarvajal6654]

I´ve allways said that making a guitar is as artistical as playing it. Wonderful.

[@sunnyray7819]

I would love one of those guitars. Hand made with love and so beautiful! Maybe one day.

[@jakewelch.design]

Beautiful woman and beautiful Craftsmanship

[@memphismusic-universityofm46]

She is gorgeous!!!!! (the guitars too)

[@yanabananas4448]

So much crafting and care put into making these guitars!

[@willtube61]

Love this. Continuing an amazing legacy, working with wood her grandfather bought.

[@lancerains4185]

That was just about one of the sweetest things I've ever viewed on KZbin......

[@UMBUBA]

Fascinante! Bravo chica! sigue haciendo el legado de tu abuelo.

[@leemartin2978]

Very talented and beautiful......these are works of art. It must be very satisfying to make one of these

[@mizzruiz]

This is my childhood I actually started to tear up

[@herbertschonewei]

impressive woman and family with a lot of knowledge and tradition. Unfortunately, such guitars from the house of Conde remain out of reach for us beginners. It remains a dream

[@fw1421]

You just can’t beat hand craftsmanship. Beautiful woman making beautiful guitars. Expensive? Yes but I’m sure they’re worth every penny. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@richarddeboer8934]

Dont see so much crafted women's making guitars now you the 3 generation make it, great to see the love for this wunderfull guitars you created 😍

[@richardlevy7674]

What a wonderful video. In an age of mass production, it is inspiring to learn about your skill and art in creating my favorite instrument.

[@Daclaem]

the story with her grandfather was deep.

[@brianfriedman101]

yeah deeply fake excuse for the guitar cost

[@KrlKngMrtssn]

Brian Friedman you have no respect. At least she creates something. And you are a nobody. Have some respect.

[@rcpmac]

@@brianfriedman101 Brian - 0ff you go to Walmart - lowlife

[@mrblister8359]

@@brianfriedman101 ..they actually think she has a warehouse of 30 year old wood waiting for her magic hands. On a shelf in her workshop that has been fast treated to dry and cut on a cnc machine.

[@marcpadilla1094]

Wow. Nothing like the intensity of Flamenco guitar and dance.

[@rhyanvic85]

Her voice is so sooothing and adorable as she is gorgeous.

[@terrybruce5923]

What a beautiful video... I will dream of coming to Spain and having a Guitar made in your shop....thank you for sharing.

[@jackkurasik8371]

Maestro!, You are a wonderful woman, and a craft woman. You are carrying on the family tradition, and that's how it should be. I wish I could come down to Spain, your beautiful country, and visit Your workshop.

[@davidsims1329]

Great job. Have you ever seen a adjustable bridge used? The bone saddle in longer on the base side, and sticks out where it is normally cut off. Add 1 1/4” and when the weather or Climate changes ( dehydration )which would cause the guitar to flex and make your strings buss and you push the saddle in on the big end there and where is forcing your strings up. No more buzz. When not needed push the trible side in.

[@robertmoriarty925]

She said: “A little bit of bravery”. That would be an understatement. Imagine making a perfect acoustic instrument with wood that’s been drying for 30 years! And you never really know if you’ve succeeded until it is complete. That’s craftsmanship. Or Craftwomanship in this case.

[@williamevans6830]

Amazing. Heres hoping we see more women making guitars. Fantastic. Oh and Spain ah Spain. What an amazing place. Visiting Spain should be on the bucket list of everyone.

[@davidlara105]

I'm in love of Conde's guitars.

[@schbrachbolidsei]

She`s as beautiful as her guitars!

[@douglasallen8630]

Those old clamps are ingenious! Very impressive.

[@michaeljustvonthun487]

Wonderful. I once played one and it was absolutly fantastick.

[@nickmclay]

This was so cool. To play a guitar with so much into it.....

[@thinkingape7655]

Beautiful work by a beautiful person 🤘

[@acadia5898]

well edited short. i appreciate my guitar more and more

[@kbkesq]

Great music too! Solea y buleria estupendo. Ah, conde guitar awesome.

[@richyrich5049]

I remember being in Malaga with some money to spend, searching for a guitar. I spoke no Spanish, and could not find anyone to point me toward a guitar shop. No one spoke English, or was willing to. I went on to Madrid, and only came home with a Paco De Lucia and Cameron De La Isla album from the airport. This was before the internet was as inclusive as it has become in the present day. Aside from that, I liked this woman's story.

[@betoastorga]

Qué hermosura poesía en cada segundo de este video. Perfecto.

[@vgfjr505]

Aaahhh… Flamenco, the Spanish Blues!!! Me encanta… El dia que este arte muera, sera un desastre. Y no soy Español, pero esta cultura se repica en todas las culturas hispanoparlantes. Nos entra por las venas, y nos sacude. Keep it up, you’re doing great!!!

[@andrewvillanueva3722]

Amazing craftsmanship and building!!!

[@craigbutcher9872]

What a beautiful film. It brought tears to my eyes. For all the evil humans do and are and yet some of them can make exquisite beauty from wood (the guitar) and from thin air (the music).

[@tribestribes2555]

She is not only handsome, she is a great guitarmaker as well.👍

[@AuthorStory]

Wonderful to know how such guitars start with the wood that's been aged for decades.

[@rosegibbons9927]

I love this series pls make more

[@nightwhenjar]

aright I'm definitely in love with her

[@hansgehrig8332]

100% PASSION...!!!

[@ariesnaga5967]

Superb Craftwomanship, very beautifull guitar. 🎸

[@mortadasami6283]

Perfecto! mucho gracias

[@cosmicgalactus5346]

I love her..

[@julscaptured]

you're the legend madam' thanks for sharing ..

[@howardwhitaker1556]

While I'm not a fan of this style of music, I am a guitarist. But even if I wasn't, I can appreciate the time and skill that she puts into hand making a guitar. I love 2 kinds of guitars. The ones that have that particular sound, tone or style that I'm looking for...and the ones that have the heart and soul of the builder, the personality and connection of being hand made by a true craftsman. I would count an ultimate guitar as having both.

[@jeffreyschnoldt5388]

Wow very cool, a lost art for sure, it's nice to see the tradition u carry on. I am a gutair player..loved the video..

[@djkuyp]

The instrument my soul loves.

[@greatman2458]

i felt this ... i cried

[@ANGELICHUMANANGEL]

Beautiful Video Really Enjoyed it thank you 😎

[@danieljones695]

This is wonderfull craft it pleases me to see craftsmanship and handmade love is a passion and it is beutiful u a re creative

[@timhitt9541]

So cool she continued the family business.I would love to work there.

[@tesoro7788]

Wow !... because of this I’m in love with everything.

[@outarifa]

Excelente trabajo Maestra !

[@kavisbreaker1946]

Wow... ! Awesome skill ma'am

[@pembertyguitarras3013]

Excelentes Guitarras todas las provenientes de la "Dinastía Conde"... Ver una mujer tan linda por demás dedicada a esta labor es algo espectacular, seguramente sus Guitarras heredan toda esa esencia femenina.

[@soufianedev316]

Amazing

[@DustyCowdog]

Yeah, I'm in love 😍

[@CSPB369]

Can't wait to order my flamenco guitar..

[@josephbeene2728]

6:05 till the end on repeat

[@andantecantabileandantecan4147]

Admirable goal, young lady

[@willideaschannel1515]

amazing woman

[@soulvaccination8679]

I sure would love to have such a guitar.I would cherish it.