Manuel Galbán (January 14, 1931[1] – July 7, 2011)[2] was a Grammy-winning Cuban guitarist, pianist and arranger, most notable for his work with Los Zafiros, Ry Cooder and the Buena Vista Social Club.

Later he recorded with Ferrer and Buena Vista Social Club bassist Cachaíto Lopez, leading to his engagement as the featured guitarist with the touring ensemble named after the film.

Cooder had commented on their inspiration to create the album, "Galbán and I felt that there was a sound that had not been explored, a Cuban electric-guitar band that could re-interpret the atmosphere of the 1950s with beauty, agility, and simplicity.

[4] Galbán's distinctive electric guitar sound makes liberal use of reverb, tremolo, diminished arpeggio runs and palm mutes.

Using a Fender Telecaster with heavy gauge strings, he references the tone of Duane Eddy and the early surf guitarists whilst playing the melodic runs and chordal patterns associated with traditional Cuban music.