Iqui Vinculado

Classical Guitarist

Primary Band(s):

PIMA Guitar Quartet, Amistad, CrescendoPH

Playstyle & Tone Profile:

Classical crossover, acoustic folk, and pure natural tone

Musical Journey & Growth

  • A Self-Taught Start: Iqui first picked up the guitar at the age of 11, drawing initial inspiration from her older sister. Starting as a 5th-grade hobby, they were completely self-taught, figuring out how to play by reading chords from "song hits" magazines.
  • A Lifelong Passion: What began as a simple childhood pastime quickly blossomed into a dedicated, lifelong passion. She eventually transitioned into a professional classical performer, anchoring diverse ensembles that range from crossover classical and folk to worship music.

Musical Influences &
Sonic Philosophy

  • 2000s Pop-Rock Roots: Her early approach to the instrument was deeply inspired by 2000s pop-rock sensibilities. She cites singer-songwriters like Michelle Branch, alongside bands like Switchfoot and Lifehouse, as the foundational sparks for her guitar playing.
  • Classical Inspiration: As she transitioned her focus toward classical music, she found profound inspiration in the genre's modern virtuosos, citing the renowned classical guitarist Kaori Muraji as her single biggest influence.

La Bella strings deliver my ideal tone by producing a rounder, warmer, and naturally balanced sound. Classical guitar doesn't need an overly complicated rig, a clean setup with just my guitar, a good microphone, and a solid sound system and the Silent Cable Series from Montances Guitar Wiring provides the clean, noise-free connection, required to keep my tone pure and natural.

Gear of Choice

Montances Silent Series Guitar Instrument Cable | Mute Feature | Low Capacitance | MS Plugs

Montances Silent Series Guitar Instrument Cable | Mute Feature | Low Capacitance | MS Plugs
La Bella Argento | Extra Fine Silver-Plated | Medium Tension | Classical Guitar String Set

La Bella Argento | Extra Fine Silver-Plated | Medium Tension | Classical Guitar String Set
La Bella 2001 Classical | Nylon 202 Trebles | Light Tension | Classical Guitar Strings

La Bella 2001 Classical | Nylon 202 Trebles | Light Tension | Classical Guitar Strings

Key Milestones

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Iqui boasts a highly decorated career across the global stage, highlighted by the release of her first solo classical guitar album,Philippine Treasures, Vol. 4. She has toured extensively across Europe, Canada, and Asia with various groups, including the PIMA Guitar Quartet and the all-female guitar trio Triple Fret, and has secured First Prizes in ensemble guitar competitions in Malaysia and Japan. Her versatile collaborative and production work spans writing and producing Amistad'sIsang ArawEP, performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Aleron choir, Kuwerdas Filipinas Symphonic Rondalla, and participating in CCP Productions'Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela.