July 21, 2011

My name is Mike Martinez I was at your place yesterday getting new strings for my old Pimentel guitar and wanted to let you know it was such a pleasant experience dealing with you again. You replaced the tuning gears and they look just beautiful and it is now so easy to tune. While my wife and I were waiting, we enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and concern of your staff. Thanks again and I'm thoroughly enjoying my guitar again.

Mike Martinez

June 8, 2011

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.

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

Juan Cesar Yñiguez

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"

August 17, 2010
"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."

Feb. 18, 2010

YouTube Video about Pimentel Guitars visit

1/13/2000

I remember seeing the top of my guitar when Rick was building it last May. Then I saw it again in November. At both visits, I could not believe how beautiful it was. But even this did not prepare me for the moment I opened the case and first saw the completed instrument. There are instruments, and there is art. This guitar is both of these, and more. There is a spirit, an essence to it. It helps connect me to my own spirit and essence.

Beyond that, it plays like a dream. It seemed to know my music right out of the case. I actually put a tape measure to the neck, because I knew it had to be a short scale. No long scale neck could this effortlessly. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the scale is a bit longer than my Martin ...

Then there is the sound. The tone, volume and sustain are incredible. I am looking forward to many years of appreciation as the spruce settles in.

Thank you all for this most wonderful of guitars.

Sincerely,
Larry Betzel
Anchorage, Alaska

About Betz's Acoustic Saver Guitar Cabinet

August 13, 2010
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

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

August 6, 2010
Over the past few years I have worked with Rick Pimentel of Pimentel Music many times to hire musical talent for special events I have produced for my clients. From solo classical guitarists to full blown Mariachis, Rick has gotten us some of the best talent imaginable. Every performer presented to us from Pimentel has been world class in talent, reputation, and professionalism. It seems that Rick and his family are well networked with the finest musicians from across the southwest. There is no doubt that I will be calling Rick the next time I need musicians for one of our special events.

Bruce B. Sawyer

August 2, 2010
"There are few classical guitars I have played that sound, play, and look as good as my Pimentel Concert Grand."

January 10, 2009
Excerpts from Harmony Central post
"... making the guitar a bit over a year old. I feel compelled to write this update because of the absolute perfection of this guitars sound. Warm, comforting, very dynamic, sweet, moving. This instrument both challenges me to play better, and teaches me to play better by revealing subtleties that I was not aware of until I received this amazing instrument. Everyone who hears me play comments on the sound.

I have never seen a more beautifully stained cedar top. The stain color is reddish but not gaudy. Everyone who sees this guitar comments on its beauty. Handmade from tonewoods. Fragile. Has held up well, the neck is straight, action is still perfect (the action is low and does not buzz a bit on any string in any position-I am very fussy about clean notes).

This instrument was designed to fit what I was looking for in a classical guitar facilitated by several conversations that I had with Rick Pimentel, and Robert Pimentel. They would call me up while the guitar was being built and ask me about what I was looking for when each specific area was being tended to (sound, action, color, special features, etc. ) to be sure that I would receive the perfect guitar. I felt that they treated me as the best guitar virtuoso there ever was. I have the deepest feelings of gratitude for the entire Pimentel family. They build incredible guitars at their shop in Albuquerque."

"The sound that I was after is balanced across all strings in all positions, with good brilliant trebles and deep rich basses. I was hoping for a guitar that had good dynamics and projection, where when playing softly it sounds sweet yet is heard at a distance, and when played powerfully will really put out volume. All this, and at the same time not sound like the box-what I mean here is way too many classical guitars have a boxy sound instead of hearing just the note, they are not transparent where the sound just flows out smooth as honey and clean as fresh air. This guitar has the transparency, dynamics, projection, and balance. I am very pleased that I received a guitar that has exceeded my expectations and hopes. I can hardly keep my hands off this instrument. (thank you Victor, Robert, Rick, Agustin, Lorenzo, Josephina) Everyone who hears me play comments on the sound. I have a number of friends that play acoustic instruments who have all commented on the exceptional sound of this remarkable guitar. They tell me that I am very lucky. I know I am. This Guitar has heart and soul".

July 26, 2010

I live in Tulsa, OK 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

June 26, 2010
I own four Pimentel Guitars Including a 12 and 6 string steel and a Grand Lorenzo Gold & a Concert that was made especially for my wife. I have had these guitars since the early 1970s and I have to tell you the sound becomes richer as time goes by. I travel a lot and I have tried big name guitars all over the US and Europe and I have never found one that equals (or even comes close) the mastery of sound quality I have in my Pimentel Guitars. Thank you again for my wonderful instruments & keep up the outstanding work.

Don Thompson
Phoenix, Arizona

Jan 2 , 2010
This is Randy Thompson from Phoenix, AZ. You know my brother Don who painted you a picture that you have used in your advertising. I am a very satisfied and proud owner of a Pimentel guitar. The sound is unmatched in any other guitars I have played, and I have tried many in guitar stores as I have traveled doing concerts throughout the US. You guys are the best and your craftsmanship and service are top of the line. I will stop in again when I get through Albuquerque again sometime. Who knows, I may finally get you to build me a 12 string that I have long wanted.

Randy Thompson
Phoenix, Arizona

March 23 , 2010

Please give your father my thanks for that first visit to  your shop and for the inspiration he has given me.  And- a big thanks for my wonderful Pimentel guitar.  
Best Wishes to you and your family.  

Sincerely,  
Jack Holcomb,
Holcomb Guitars
Atlanta, GA  

December 25, 2009

Hi Rick and Robert- Merry Christmas!

Owning a Pimentel Guitar has been a life changing experience! So easy to play and such a good sound plus you have the pick up so perfectly installed it's wonderful when plugged into my P.A. The sponsor who helped pay for it at my church was very pleased by how good a sound I can get with it.

I need to show it around more to generate some orders which I will do shortly. One of our local top classical players played it at one of his gigs and said it was very musical. I thought it was better sounding than his own $5,000.00 instrument. Thanks for your great work -

Simon Way
Spokane, WA

Dec. 7, 2009

July 2 , 2009

May 4 , 2009

March 23, 2009

I teach Guitar for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I have 2 Pimentel Guitars. When I play those Guitars for my students, they are awed by the sound and beauty of the instruments. I often perform With my SW Custom and it always generates questions about it from the Audience. All of the Pimentels have been helpful, friendly and courteous in sharing their instruments & knowledge with myself And my Students for many years.

You have my Respect & Gratitude.
Pat Neff

March 13, 2008

Bryan plays two guitars commissioned by Pimentel and Sons, Luthiers, a family business located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These fine instruments are totally hand crafted with finest woods and superb skill of true craftsmen.

The first is a Concert Classical Guitar, a totally handcrafted instrument from the "Grand Lorenzo Gold" series - named Luther's Clef. This guitar was exquisitely handcrafted by the Master Luthier and family patriarch, Mr. Lorenzo Pimentel. The back and side of this beautiful instrument are made from 40 year old Brazilian Rosewood. The top is constructed from European Spruce, while the neck is crafted from beautiful Honduras Mahogany. The fret board is cut from African Ebony Gabon with a rosewood bridge. The signature Rosetta is hand cut from multiple exotic woods and the instrument trimmed in gold. The head is uniquely adorned with turquoise, mother of pearl, ivory, ebony, and red coral.the intricate artwork of Rick Pimentel.

The second is a Custom Dreadnought - named the "Sunrise Surprise" and is the first instrument from the New Mexico Sunrise series commissioned in 2005 and delivered in 2007. ( Read the article from Albuquerque Journal. ) This custom made guitar was built by Rick Pimentel. The sides and back of this marvelous instrument are made from 40 year old East Indian Rosewood. The top is crafted from Adirondack Spruce from the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. The neck is made from Honduras Mahogany and the neck with the exotic Rosewood, Bocote from South America. The neck of this guitar is meticulously garnished with red coral zias, surrounding ebony carved Brother Bear inlaid with in a delicate of mother of pearl bed.

Bryan also plays a 1979 Martin HD-35 guitar that he acquired in 1980.

Bryan L. Perdue
375 CES/CECGIS
Program Manager, Installation Geospatial Information & Services (IGI&S)

Oct. 13, 2006

Hi Rick;

Sandi and I were so pleased by your cordiality when we stopped in today to see your facility and the magiificent instruments you and your family create there. We wanted you and your fmaily to know how impressed we were. I am forwarding much of the information you furnished to friends and family members who are interested in guitars and music in general. Perhaps we can help generate more business, but more than that, we want others to know there is a family so dedicated and with so much love to impart to their craft. It is no wonder your guitars are so beautiful and fine. We saw the love of the father in the eyes of the sons!

God bless you and your family. Keep it up!
Rick & Sandi Muehlhausen