Business Details
We are Candelas Guitars, a family-owned workshop operating in Los Angeles since 1928, representing four generations of dedicated master craftsmanship. For nearly a century, the Delgado family has refined the specialized skills required to handcraft the finest classical and flamenco guitars available today. Our professional standards are uncompromising, ensuring every instrument we build, restore, or sell receives the personal attention of our master luthiers, Toms Delgado Sr. and Toms Delgado Jr. We possess deep problem-solving capabilities, combining traditional Spanish guitar-making techniques with innovations developed over decades of family expertise.
Our extensive operational history provides us with a profound understanding of tonal woods, structural integrity, and acoustic precision. We are committed to client satisfaction, offering transparent appointment scheduling so that every musician receives our undivided attention. Whether you require a custom commission, a meticulous restoration, or professional instruction, our legacy guarantees an instrument of exceptional artistry. We invite you to experience a tradition of excellence that has shaped the sound of legendary musicians across generations.
Our extensive operational history provides us with a profound understanding of tonal woods, structural integrity, and acoustic precision. We are committed to client satisfaction, offering transparent appointment scheduling so that every musician receives our undivided attention. Whether you require a custom commission, a meticulous restoration, or professional instruction, our legacy guarantees an instrument of exceptional artistry. We invite you to experience a tradition of excellence that has shaped the sound of legendary musicians across generations.
Highlights and features
- We offer four generations of master luthier expertise since 1928.
- Our instruments are handcrafted using traditional Spanish techniques.
- We provide custom-built guitars tailored to exact specifications.
- We guarantee personal attention from master craftsmen on every project.
- Our shop has a proven history serving legendary recording artists.
- We deliver expert restoration and comprehensive repair services.
Services
Custom Building
We commission one-of-a-kind classical and flamenco guitars crafted to your exact specifications. This service targets serious musicians seeking a personalized instrument tailored to their unique playing style. Clients benefit directly from nearly a century of family expertise, receiving a masterfully handcrafted guitar built with uncompromising quality.
Restoration & Repair
We provide expert restoration and repair services designed to bring vintage or damaged instruments back to their full glory. Our master luthiers apply specialized techniques refined over generations to preserve the original character of each piece. Customers gain peace of mind knowing their cherished guitars receive meticulous, highly professional care.
Guitar Lessons
We offer professional guitar lessons available via Zoom or in-person at our historic Los Angeles workshop. Students learn directly from a lineage of master craftsmen, gaining authentic insights into traditional Spanish guitar playing. This instruction provides a unique educational experience rooted in nearly a century of musical heritage.
Reviews (7)
Nicholas H.
May 01, 2022
Report
Awesome place to visit and buy if you are serious about string instruments. A true gem find in East LA! This place makes guitars, violins, harps, and ukuleles. Many are one of a kind. The sounds that come out of these masterpieces are stunning. Usually they project out, like an opera singer in the highest pitch and volume. Amazing California music maker, going on second generation and getting the third ready. I love it! Thanks for being around.
Fred Rodriguez
Jan 25, 2022
Report
Went to purchase some guitar acoustic guitar strings and asked about the guitar services restring my guitar. I would recommend this place.
Alanna L.
Oct 09, 2021
Report
Loretta, thank you so much for helping me today! Folks, if you need help with your instrument from good, knowledgable, and kind peeps.come here. I had one of those small annoying issues that requires clear thinking and patience to figure out. Loretta steadily and systematically took the time to determine exactly what was wrong and saved me from continued bafflement and misery. "Is it the pick-up? Is it the cable? Is it the battery? Is it the amp?" --one of those kind of scenarios. I couldn't believe the woman's patience! In the end, the store made a BIG sale with me: $4.33 for a replacement battery. Loretta from heaven thank you and bless you!
Denise Michel
Oct 04, 2021
Report
Candelas Guitars is a flavorful badass conduit for life-skills in the form of guitar lessons. Generations of experience and craftsmanship has coaxed the depth of my cultural roots to the surface. Kenneth's teaching is on point, well-rounded, and individualized. His passion for guitar music is palpable and inspiring. Highly recommend!
Cecilia Gonzalez
Dec 15, 2020
Report
Came in to Candelas to get new guitar strings. I was really happy with the service and that my strings were changed right away. My kids and I are now taking classical guitar lessons here, we have learned so much from Teacher Kenneth and grateful to Candelas for their amazing service and knowledge in music.
Robit Hairman
Jan 03, 2020
Report
s Guitars.
3 2020 .
Genius level guitar repairs. Made my little Martin sound like a real guitar. And I played some of his mid range guitars which are a whole Nother level of guitar, guitars I dream of having! Worth saving up for! We are privileged to have such Luthiers in our city!
3 2020 .
Genius level guitar repairs. Made my little Martin sound like a real guitar. And I played some of his mid range guitars which are a whole Nother level of guitar, guitars I dream of having! Worth saving up for! We are privileged to have such Luthiers in our city!
Rob K.
Aug 01, 2019
Report
Candelas Guitars is a beautiful gem in Los Angeles, they've been around since 1928 with 3 generations of Luthiers - I walked in and I was greeted by the owner Thomas, I bought some strings that I needed for one of my classical guitars, guys they have there own Candelas strings for sale, this place is my new home for my guitar needs, I'm definitely going to be purchasing a handmade custom guitar in the near future - stay inspired and spread good vibes.
