Jose Yacopi

Background

Yacopi learned the art of guitar making from his father, Gamaliel Jacopi.

Career

In 1947, Yacopi and his father created, and later patented, an original internal strutting system for reinforcing the top of the guitar. This gives his guitars distinctive and special sound characteristics. Although he constructed various string instruments, he specialized in Spanish guitars.

Among the recognized artists who have bought his guitars are María Luisa Anido, Julian Bream, Eric Clapton, Irma Costanzo, Eduardo Falú, Edmundo Rivero, and Narciso Yepes.

Achievements

• In 1944, at the age of 27, he won first place at the Concurso Provincial de Artesanía ("Provincial Crafts Competition") in Barcelona and at the Concurso Nacional de Oficios Artesanos ("Official National Crafts Competition") in Madrid for a Neapolitan-style mandolin.