Manuel Rodriguez learned the art of constructing a guitar firsthand. He started as an apprentice at the age of 13 in Madrid, where he first began to learn what makes a beautiful and resonant guitar. After apprenticing and operating in his own shop in Spain, Manuel immigrated to Los Angeles in 1959 and opened a business there. Residing in the City of Angels for nearly 15 years, Manuel made guitars for professionals, Hollywood actors, teachers, students, and those just wishing to express themselves creatively through music, before moving back to Madrid in 1973.