Delgado is the youngest child of Candelario "Candelas" Delgado, but the first to begin in the family guitar business. He was playing guitar by age five, repairing guitars by age seven, and built his first guitar at the age of 12 to beat his father's record of 14. Many clients over the years knew that Manuel would carry on the family tradition later in life. Manuel considered becoming a police officer, a desire that he had when his father trained him in boxing and later involved him in the training of the L.A.P.D. It was when his father was diagnosed with cancer that Manuel decided to withdraw from the Sheriff Academy process and return to the guitar shop for good. Unfortunately, the operation that was supposed to save his father's life became more complicated than was originally thought and Manuel's father died in 1996. Manuel was instrumental in the shops further success and recognition after the death of his father. In 2002, Manuel was also the sole creator of the "Unity Guitar" and its purpose in helping the undocumented victims of 9/11. Manuel knows this project was inspired by God. He doesn't take all the credit for the final outcome of the project, many friends offered their assistance to make the project work and change the lives that were helped. After all, he named it "The Unity Guitar" to represent unity and togetherness. Manuel never thought he would want to build guitars if it not be with his family's business, but when he and his wife, Julie, made the decision to move to Nashville, TN to pursue her singing/songwriting, it was Julie that encouraged him to return to making guitars after a short break from the business. With Manuel's mother's blessing and his sister's support, the move was made and "Delgado Guitars" was reborn. Manuel chose to plow the road ahead with a new business in a new town. His belief in his own God given talent and ability was enough to build a business on integrity and honesty. Manuel's faith in Jesus Christ gives him the strength to seek the truth and integrity in his daily business practices, as well as his future goals for Delgado Guitars. Working multiple jobs and building instruments late into the night, weekends, or whenever possible, Manuel built his reputation in Nashville in a short period of time. Many people would not want to claim these kind of obstacles as part of their experience, but for Manuel, somewhat "starting over" in Nashville is something in which he's proud. "I was humbled by God and knew that anything worth having in life would be a fight, plus I could relate better to the musicians who are doing the very same thing for their passions and dreams." Today, Delgado Guitars is run and operated by Manuel and Julie Delgado and with the recent addition of their daughter, Ava Canción, they pray to be around for a long time. Already being highlighted in "The Fretboard Journal", "Tennessee Crossroads", "NPR", and featured in a "BOSE" commercial, Manuel Delgado has proven he makes a product that is sincere and of quality. Also, he has been part of two separate exhibits at the Smithsonian, included in "Hearts and Hands" photography book, and involved in countless other achievements. Manuel, along with the reputation of his father, grandfather, and great-uncle, has a blessing for which he will always be grateful. He feels this gives him a responsibility to honor what was sacrificed on his behalf. Before you make a decision to purchase a guitar somewhere else, give Manuel and Julie a call and you'll see why they have built such a strong reputation on their achievements alone. One last thing, Manuel would ask that when visiting his site, you say a prayer for him and his family. He knows God is who has carried him through his difficulties and thanks those who lift him up in prayer.
