Felix Manzanero knew what he wanted to do at age 14, to make guitars. he learned and worked at Ramirez shop until Jan 10, 1964 and opened his own on Sept of 1964. I met him then next year and remained good friends for the last 50+. We visited him during our Golden Anniversary and had a great time reminiscing about old times. He passed on Aug 19,2019 and his son Ivan has carried on the lineage of great guitar making. I purchased Ivan’s 1st guitar since reopening.I ordered a Flamenco style guitar because I wanted one with the wooden pegs like the first guitars. I have been playing to break it in and it sounds of the quality his father would make. He will be greatly missed.
Back from Spain
Here I am in Felix Manzanero’s shop in Madrid, Spain.this 2nd photo is me, my wife of 50 years, along with Felix and his wife Soli. Sad but he is mostly blind and does not make any more precious instruments.
University and College guitar teachers/students
New videos posted
Dear Fans; Check this out, it is a good one. I have posted on youtube a new video performing one of my originals that is very flamenco. Here is the link: http://youtu.be/Fhxet2YK_M4 also filmed in a secret tunnel in Hawaii my 5 finger tremolo piece named ‘Reflections’ ; http://youtu.be/RfcuqPwBKpU
Enjoy
Gil Piger
be a fan on Jango
you can sign up as a fan and get updates and most important, tidbits about my music. I also inform of my travels – one coming up to Hawaii. why not check it out and become a fan!
new music post
I just posted to Jango or RadioAirplay.com my “Ode to Paco” which is dedicated to Paco de Lucia who passed this last Wednesday. I met him back in 1986 and wrote this shortly after. He never heard it but I felt compiled to share it with all. Please enjoy
Gil
How I celebrated my birthday
Fans; To celebrate my birthday [ a few days ago], today I took to flying! That is, indoor sky diving. Here’s the link to the first time, followed by the 2nd where I go up approximate 40 feet.
Enjoy Gil Piger
Music 101 series
I started Music 101 to enable people of all ages, how to read music and understand how it works. I have just finished my conclusion with lesson 6. lesson 1 was about how the lines developed and how a sign [cleffs] tell one where the letter name of the notes lie. lesson 2 was about scales and how the note work. lesson 3 was about chords. lesson 4 you learn about key signatures. lesson 5 and 6 fills in everything you need to know to write and read music for in the last – lesson 6 we write out a composition.
If you ever wanted to know any of this or you have a friend who is musical, turn them on to this. it’s on youtube under GilPiger Music 101
enjoy
Gil Piger
lesson 3 of Music 101
Just posted on youtube my 3rd lesson. In this lesson you learn about chords, how they work and play together. Check it out, only it’s better if you have watched the first 2 lessons.