Tag Archives: Kelly¸ Armin

Armin Kelly

His friends may call him an armchair luthier, but Armin Kelly spends his real time as founder of Guitars International on the telephone, match-making guitars to players, while encouraging guitar makers to produce their very best work for him. He considers his efforts successful when all parties concerned are happy. He moonlights as the artistic director of the Cleveland International Classical Guitar Festival which he founded fifteen years ago. He has been a GAL member for fourteen of the last twenty-two years.

▪ bio current as of 2014

Manuel Velazquez, In His Own Words / Remembering Manuel

2014
AL#119 p.60
Manuel Velazquez Cyndy Burton Eugene Clark Armin Kelly Robert Ruck Jeffrey R. Elliott Paul Szmanda

▪ Manuel Velazquez made a lot of friends and fans in his exceptionally long career as a maker of fine classical guitars. Here are a few remembrances a few folks who admired his work and his life.

Meet the Dealer: Armin Kelly

2004
AL#80 p.28 BRB7 p.254
Cyndy Burton Armin Kelly

▪ Meet the dealer? Well, when a dealer has such a strong influence in the lives of the luthiers he represents, why not? If you build, and if you want to sell through a dealer, you need to read this interview. Besides, Kelly’s enthusiasm is so infectious it will send you right back to your workbench. Boutique guitar builders and shops are relatively new to the steel string, but it has always been the way among classical guitar people. This is why. With 3 photos.

Meet the Maker: Hermann Hauser III

1997
AL#51 p.20 BRB5 p.80
Armin Kelly Hermann Hauser III

▪ The name Hermann Hauser needs no introduction in the classical guitar world. Here Hauser #3 talks about heritage, learning the craft, wood, and closing in on the perfect guitar. With 6 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.