La Michoacana Classical Guitar, Natural, - Used
La Michoacana is the brand of Geronimo Villafán Amezcua, one of the most significant figures in the history of Mexican guitar making. His shop in Mexico City was the destination for quality instruments in the 1940s and 1950s, a place where professional musicians went and found something worth playing seriously. His influence on the guitar-making community of Paracho — the mountain town in Michoacán that became the center of Mexican lutherie — cannot be overstated. He was the transitional figure who moved Mexican instrument design into the modern era, and his early instruments are genuinely as good as their European contemporaries. Trio Los Panchos played his guitars. Examples in good condition are increasingly hard to find and command real attention from players and collectors who know what they are looking at.
This one earns that attention. At 2 lbs 12 oz it is a featherweight — the kind of guitar that feels like it wants to resonate, like the wood is already vibrating before your fingers reach the strings. Light, open, and musical, with the low action dialed in and playing beautifully. This is a sleeper in the best sense — an instrument that announces itself the moment you play it and surprises everyone in the room who did not know what La Michoacana was five minutes ago. Sort of magical is exactly the right description.
Condition is Very Good with a full and honest accounting. There are a few repaired cracks along the body — on the lower front bout and on the back — and we are calling them out clearly because that is how we do things. The repairs are clean and secure. Nothing is moving, nothing is structural, and the guitar plays and sounds as it should. Well loved over the years, and it shows in the best possible way. No case included.
A rare piece of Mexican guitar history, playable and ready to go.
- Make: La Michoacana (Geronimo Villafán Amezcua)
- Country of origin: Mexico (Paracho, Michoacán)
- Era: 1950s-1970s (exact year unconfirmed)
- Body style: Full-size classical
- Top: Spruce
- Back and sides: Maple
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Strings: Nylon
- Tuners: Classical style
- Finish: Natural lacquer
- Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz
- Repairs: Repaired cracks on lower front bout and back — clean, secure, see photos
- Modifications: None confirmed
- Vintage Chipboard Case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
