Tomas Delgado is a true American success story—or rather, a true Mexican American success story. Three generations of family determination, grit, faith, and love have carried this guitar business from its humble beginnings in Torreón, Mexico, to this world-renowned store in Los Angeles. Candelas's classical, acoustic, flamenco, mariachi, and bajo sexto guitars have always been considered best in class and are sought out by connoisseurs—from famous professionals to dedicated amateurs. Here, Tomas is working on a classical guitar made from 100-year-old Brazilian wood collected by his grandfather.
This is Tomas. Photographed by
When you enter Candelas Guitars in Los Angeles, California, you are likely to see Tomas Delgado's young children—the fourth generation of this family—in the store. They are often at his side as he works, and he is slowly teaching them to handcraft instruments, as his grandfather, uncle, and father taught him. You can learn more about the history of the family, about the different types of guitars handcrafted at the shop, and about the world-renowned musicians who have played Candelas guitars in the 70 years since the family started making them at www.candelas.com.
