I just read of Maestro Pimentel's passing. I had the pleasure of  meeting him only once, but what a meeting it was. In the early 60’s my dad had a guitar made for him in Mexico City by Juan Pimentel. It was the best guitar I ever played. One day I was listening to Ottmar Liebert. I said to myself, he has to be playing a Pimentel guitar. Sure enough, a quick glance at the CD linear notes revealed that it was a Pimentel. I got on the web and learned that Pimentel & Sons were located in Albuquerque. On a business trip, on a Sunday that was my only day off I made a determined effort to visit their shop. When I called, a gentleman answered and said they were closed. I told him my dilemma. In a very friendly manner he told me to come over right away and that he would try to wait for me. Of course I got lost, but little did I know Maestro Pimentel himself would be there to greet me.  I had the privilege of spending an entire afternoon talking guitars and music with him. Of course I ordered a guitar. Unsolicited, he told me that he would make the guitar himself. What a beautiful man. I left the shop that day as happy as I have ever been.

Two quick postscripts...

When my concert grand arrived six months later, I was at work. So the geniuses from Fed Ex left it on my front door the entire day!

Sr. Pimentel told me that he was not related to Juan Pimentel. I choose not to believe him. Why? Because from the first moment that I laid my hands on my concert grand it was as beautiful and warm as the one my dad had made for him forty years prior.

¡Qué viva el Maestro Pimentel!  ¡Que vivan los hermanos Pimentel!

Back in the late 80's, I was the mailman on your route. Whenever I went in to deliver the mail and you had just finished a new guitar, I was invited by Rick or sometimes the old man (Lorenzo) to play it. What a great treat it was to accept! Of the hundreds of guitars I have played over the years, I have "yet" to play one that sounded better than a Pimentel!..................Dick Maheu in Maine

September 14 , 2010

Dear Rick (and Lorenzo, Robert, Victor and Augustin),

Donna and I wanted to take a moment to congratulate all of you on the quality of Pimentel & Sons Guitars. As owners of three of these fine instruments (one of your fine steel string instruments , one of Lorenzo's splendid flamencos and a custom flamenco cutaway built by Victor), we have been most impressed by their excellence. From a mahogany student instrument to a Brazilian rosewood grand classic, every guitar is built to consistently fine standards. In addition to musical excellence, each instrument is an outstanding work of art. We have also been impressed by the clarity, volume and tone of the instruments we hear played by a wide variety of musicians. We have also been privileged to spend time in your shop seeing the skill, care and pride that go into each instrument. Such a visit is quite an exciting experience, not to mention the friendly hospitality extended to all visitors.

We are happy to recommend Pimentel & Sons Guitars to anyone.

Our best wishes to you and your entire family,
Donna and Manning Davis

Great instruments made by great guys.  I'm a "wanna be" musician because these guitars are the type of instruments that make you "wanna be" playing music. I own three Pimentel guitars and I have another one on the way ( I feel like I should pass out cigars every time I get a new one).  I don't own any Picasso or Van Gogh paintings but I do have four Pimentel guitars, I think that definitely makes me an art collector.

"I received my Grand Concert Classical (Indonesian Rosewood back and sides / Spruce top) in March 2010 and find it hard to put down once I start playing. First of all, it is a beautiful instrument to look at, but once the first note is played it’s clear that the tone matches the physical beauty that the Pimentels put into this guitar. I own several classical guitars, including hand-made models from Spain, but none can come close to the sound of this one. The action allows me to concentrate on performing as opposed to conquering the technical difficulties presented by a piece of music. This freedom is amazing and when I receive good feedback from a performance, I now say, “It’s not me, mostly it’s the guitar”.

The process of deciding what to include in my Pimentel was made easy during my conversation with Rick Pimentel. He took the time to look at my hands, listen to me play, and determine exactly what I wanted in my “ultimate” guitar. Gracias, Rick y la familia Pimentel!"

Rick Hutt
Chicago, IL

I live in Tulsa, OK and have a 1996 Classical grand Concert Indonesian Rosewood, with spruce top, a very powerful sound and beautiful design.

I am a member of the Tulsa Guitar Society, which promotes youth guitar players, and just general playing! Here is the link, come visit !

Rich Connell

From Jack Holcomb

I purchased a Pimentel Classic standard guitar in Sante Fe thirteen years ago (1996) and it still plays beautifully.   I practice an hour a day on it and the quality of workmanship is excellent.  The student model is under priced for the craftsmanship.  Good job!

Dear Pimentel family,

I have just returned from the Cowboy Symposium in Lubbock, Tx where my band the Texas Trailhands performed. I brought my best guitar, an 1997 Taylor 815C. I have been having problems acoustically, playing single note lead over Miss Devon Dawson's chords on a custom made Eddie Harrison guitar. we played our gig, and were invited to a jam where I met Ed Stabler and Jean and Gary Prescott. They were all playing Pimentel instruments.

I told them I felt like the guy who brought a knife to a gunfight! Those guitars were so loud, clear and full of brilliant tone, I could not believe my ears. My top of the line Taylor was a Corvette amongst Ferraris; nice, but not world class. Ed let me play his Pimentel, and it just cut through all miss Devon's midrange chop and sang like a bird, floating over the chords of several guitars and ringing loud and clear with its own individual voice. This is the sound I need!!!!! I am sold!!!!! I am working on a way to expedite the finances to get one of your gorgeous instruments. Did I mention that I thought the inlay and appointments were Jewel-like? I have played for over 39 years, have owned custom instruments in the past, but have never run across a gem like the guitars you build. I will be in touch soon to discuss my personal needs for a special one-of-a-kind instrument.

My Pimentel is still the standard that I go back to in evaluating guitars, and I still prefer it for my many types of music, specifically the the music of Tarrega, Llobet, Turina. The sound has grown to a very rich maturity that my other guitars lack, and that I can't seem to find in any other instrument.

Original Testimonial

My name is David Brody, and I have been teaching classical guitar at Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, since 1986. I was Hector Garcia's graduate teaching assistand at UNM during the late ;70's. I have owned a Pimentel Concert #1 since 1978. I have three other guitars, a Kohno and two Rodriguez's. My Pimentel is still the standard that I go back to in evaluating guitars, and I still prefer it for many types of music, specifically the music of Tarrega, Llobet,  Turina. The sound has grown to very rich maturity that my other guitars lack, and that I can't seem to find in any other instrument.

David Brody

It would be hard for me to exagerate the pleasure that I'm experiencing playing the beautiful steel string guitar that you made for me. I can't keep my hands off it, and kid about having to join a 12-step program because I'm so addicted to playing it.

I began playing in 1960 and have had many nice guitars since including a fine Gibson archtop, and a Conde Hermanos flamenco model, both of which I sold, but I can't imagine the circumstances where I'd be willing to let og of your beautiful instrument.

I strum a chord and listen in amazement to the clear bell-like tone and the sustain is incredible. It has great resonance, almost like a flamenco guitar, so it's wonderful for playing rhythm. It has a lovely sonority and it booms like a canon when I play it hard. I've never had all of these qualities in one instrument. If I were to give it a name, I'd call it "La Perfecta".

My friends and fellow musicians have all commented on its terrific sound, and a professional luthier to whom I showed it strummed one chord and said, "Boy, it's got a great tone."

I'm playing more than ever, and as a result, I'm improving at a surprisingly quick rate, which is very gratifying to me. I can't thank you enough for having made this amazing instrument which has had such an effect on my musical life. I take it with me everywhere; it's my most precious possession

Rick Burnley
Pacitas, New Mexico

John Davis

John Keith Davis, gospel classical guitar, baritone and recorder, and orchestral composer.

"I have owned 3 Pimentel classical guitars since my college days as a guitar student at Rowan University (1975). The one I have now (custom concert cutaway with my ministry logo inlayed in the headstock, 1999) is so cool and has aged so well that I refuse to play in public on any other instrument! Wishing many more years of success to my favorite guitar experts and builders."

Born Again in 1980 and married with two sons. Secular music background includes a BA in classical guitar performance at Rowan University and two years of graduate research in music history.

In 1992  founded "Panting Hart Music" (Ps. 42) and began ministering as a soloist of guitar, baritone, and tenor recorder. Composed many spiritual songs and is currently completing 5th sacred choral symphony.  John has taught 7th grade science in  the public schools for many years.

Caption: Relaxing after a concert in the park at Salem, NJ with Gospel Poet, Brother Rex--"Unknown Afrikan"--Sept. 3, 2005

Please visit John's web site

Testimonial from Tim Heath

Hey Robert, I thought I'd send you a note wishing you, your father and the rest of the boys a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

As you know I have received the new Nylon Jazz Fusion. It's a truly amazing instrument. When I first got it I thought I'd show my guitar teacher, Manny Mestas, my one hour lesson turned into a two hour lesson, most of which consisted of Manny playing my guitar. No words could describe the look in his eyes or the delight he took in playing the guitar. All he kept saying is this guitar is so awesome! He in turn wanted to show it to another student so I left the Fusion with him. He showed it to everyone, he even took it on his television show. His boss, JerryCoehlo, who is an accomplished guitarist himself, said that the Fusion could be the only guitar anyone would need.

I have a friend who used to play professionally in a band, he seemed to chastise me a little about spending so much on my guitars, but when he played the Fusion all he could say was 'I don't know how much you paid for this one, but whatever it was, it was worth it. It's the best guitar I've played.'

As you know Robert I'm just a beginner, and all I can say is that it has the action of a Gibson jazz, and sounds like something the great Chet Atkins would play, or you can play it in with a true classical sound too. It sounds awesome when amped and sounds great even without an amp.

All I can say is that it is so easy to play, it is a true work of art both visually and musically. And since the Pimentels made it seems to have a heart and soul as well.

Simply put, when you buy the best you'll never be disappointed.

Thanks,

Tim

I do own a lovely Pimentel instrument which I use frequently.

Yo vivo en Juarez, Chihuahua (Mexico), y cerca de aqui esta la casa Pimentel (en Albuquerque NM , USA para ser preciso), y son unas guitarras de calidad extraordinaria, si quieres visitar la pagina y echarles un vistazo http://www.pimentelguitars.com , yo tengo una (de hecho es un requinto) y suena excelente... me enamore de el en cuanto lo senti en las manos...

Te las recomiendo ampliamente...

Daniel posted this on Forro de Guitarra - comments posted on this site with his permission

While living in Alaska I learned of the common roots of the Athabascan and Navajo peoples. I wanted a guitar that reflected that history. The artistry that Rick demonstrated in merging the two exceeded my expectations. Today I see designs, at Pimentel and elsewhere, that can be traced back to this unique and wonderful instrument.

June 21, 2010

Dear Mr. Pimentel,

I purchased a Pimentel Model 001 in 1980 and I have enjoyed playing it for the last 30 years. In January while visiting your shop, I was able to purchase a Grand Concert Guitar, made by you in September of 2009. It is a beautiful work of art, and I thoroughly enjoy playing it. The sound is incredible. Many times I will stop in the middle of a piece and just listen to it sing. Thank you so very much for making this wonderful guitar.

I was in Albuquerque at the beginning of this month visiting my parents, and of course I stopped by your shop to visit. Your son Robert was kind enough to show me and my family around the shop. My children were all very impressed, and were very interested to see where my guitars were made. Robert told me you were not feeling well. I certainly hope you are feeling better now and that you are back in action. I look forward to seeing you and thanking you in person on my next trip to Albuquerque. Owning a Grand Concert Pimentel is a dream come true for me, and by the grace of God I now have one. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Mark E. Daily
Hagerman, Idaho

"I perform with my Pimentel. ... My guitar was made in 1994 with a Southwest theme folk steel string acoustic/electric 3/4 grand auditorium. It is beautiful."

"I love my Pimentel acoustic...I've done hundreds of gigs with it, maybe even a thousand - solo, duos with a bass player, and with my jazz/rock/world trio. It works in all those situations. ... The Pimentels are great guys."

Dear Rick:

I am now the proud owner of a Jumbo Brazilian Southwestern Custom that I was fortunate enough to find used (3 months old). As art, the guitar is simply stunning from the selection of woods to your wonderful inlays. As a guitar, the instrument is astounding! The sound is a very soulful mix between steel string harmonics and classical warmth and roundness. The sustain and sheer musicality of the guitar is felt in one's body as the entire instrument is a single vibration. For a large guitar it is very comfortable to play and the neck makes playing effortless. The instrument responds to the slightest touch and has tremendous headroom and dynamics. This sound is a perfect alternative to a bluegrass instrument and adapts to blues, jazz and instrumental music with a lot of soul. I am proud to own such an amazing instrument in my lifetime! Many blessings to your mother who encouraged your father's dream.

I am grateful to you and your family.

Most sincerely,

Mark S Warner, Ph. D.

From Tim Falling

September 14, 2006