The donation came on March 12, 2024, when Sheldon Urlik transferred 51 guitars to ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre. The collection, valued at approximately $1.4 million, includes instruments from 1869 to 2015.
Urlik, a collector of classical and flamenco guitars, began amassing the instruments in the 1990s and documented them in his 1997 book A Collection of Fine Spanish Guitars from Torres to the Present.
Students now use the guitars for performances, study and rental, rather than keeping them behind glass. At the Recuerdos de España concert last fall, musicians played a 1869 Francisco González, a 1926 Antonio Emilio Pascual Viudes, a 1956 José Ramirez, and a 1968 Manuel de la Chica.
Martha Masters, assistant professor of guitar and president of the Guitar Foundation of America, said the instruments give students a professional‑level experience they otherwise could not afford. Italian doctoral student Davide Picci chose a 1981 Martin Fleeson for a competition, saying he felt a strong connection.
Urlik also said that select instruments could be sold to fund maintenance, scholarships and visiting artists, ensuring the collection’s longevity.
Audiences will hear the guitars at ASU Guitar Night on Feb. 24, providing a public showcase of the instruments and a chance for students to demonstrate their newfound skill.