Meet Manuel A. Delgado | Old World Luthier and Owner of Delgado Guitars/La Tradición Music

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuel A. Delgado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manuel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The process behind starting our business was not one that I created, it is one that started in 1928 with my grandfather and great uncle. I am trying to continue a family business now in its fourth generation as my daughters have taken interest in it as well. When carrying on a business that has such a rich history, my goal has been to try and honor their memory and not take credit for everything the business has accomplished. The truth is, it takes more than one person to grow a business and everyone who came before and those who have worked for me, however good or bad they were at their job, have all made an impression on the business, A good leader learns from everyone and uses those experiences to try and continually improve.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Delgado Guitars is different from other guitar manufacturers in many ways. To begin with, we still build instruments using the “Old World” techniques taught to me by my father and grandfather. I am proud to know that our family business, that started in Mexico, has a place in American Folk history. My great-uncle made the original Mickey Mouse guitar for Walt Disney that was used in the original Mickey Mouse Club show. I was also proud to have had a small part in consulting for the Pixar movie, Coco. Getting to where I am today was not easy and still isn’t. I had attempts to take my family’s business from me, I have had people take credit for my work and history and lie about my work, and in spite of all this, I choose to move forward and not pay attention to the noise. Now that I have been selected as “one of the guitar companies you should know about” by songwriter magazine and other accolades my business has received, they now want to take credit and imply that they had some involvement in my success. I have learned that there are those who talk and then those who do. I let those people continue to talk and am proud to have my true history recorded and my success is from my hard work and not hindered by their pettiness.
I once had an artist tell me, your path is like a ship at sea. As you travel, there are fireworks going off on both sides of the ship. This is the negative and positive things people say. Both can be a distraction. Stay the course and don’t get caught staring at the fireworks or they will lead you off course. Let them just be a light that guides your way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Nashville is a great city that has had the challenge of dealing with the explosion of the tourists/bachelorette parties and many new transplants from other cities/states who have moved here to take advantage of the lower housing cost. I say this because, for locals we do not go to the places on Broadway or chain restaurants. With respect to your readers, I will mention a few locations, but keep some to myself so they don’t get overrun and lose their charm. Must see places; Venues: The Eastside Bowl, Loveless Cafe, Music Makers Stage, The BlueBird Cafe (if you can get in), The 5 Spot, The Ryman Auditorium. Museums:The Frist, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Lane Motor Museum and if you want to take a nice drive, The Natchez Trace has a beautiful bridge and many historical markers and hikes/waterfalls. Fun things to do: The Clay Lady Campus (Make your own pottery), Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. and a few food choices; Five Points Pizza, The Biscuit House, GullyBoys and SteamBoys.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be who I am today or where I am today without the support and encouragement from my parents. My mother has been my constant supporter through all the challenges and struggles and continues to be that to me. My father and grandfather were my guide in building and in life. My father is always with me and I still hear his voice. Of course, without the support of my wife and daughters, I would not do any of this. They are my reason for waking up everyday and fighting for what is true and right in this world. There have been many books along the way that have help guide and shape me, but all of this is through my constant guide, my Lord, Jesus Christ. It is my faith that reminds me to try and be a good steward of what I have been blessed with and to try my best to show love and compassion for all. Though I fall short more times than not, I still make the effort because of the blessings that have been given to me. My hope is that this will help encourage others to keep striving for their passion and dream.
 

Website: www.delgadoguitars.com www.latradicionmusic.com www.musicmakersstage.com

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