1924 Miguel Rodriguez SP/CY (ex Pepe Romero)

This guitar is a monster of a blanca built in the 3rd decade both of this guitar maker’s career and of the 20th century. Although it was built in the mid-1920s (the year is written on the internal heel) it has all the punch and power normally associated with the great mid-century Andalucian flamencos with the sound resonating off the top, back and sides. It has a loose, dry and penetrating sound with big basses and succulent, fat trebles. The higher registers are incredibly sweet and sensuous. In the hands of a classical player this guitar also sings beautifully - it can accommodate virtually any style of music with great charm and elegance. It was built by Miguel Rodriguez Beneyto (1888-1975), the patriarch of the Rodriguez family. His instruments rarely appear on the market, so this is an extraordinary find. Pepe Romero Sr. bought this guitar in Malaga from a relative of Paco de Lucia, who recalled Paco’s fondness and regular use of this guitar throughout his life. As happens with many "Romero owned" guitars, this instrument passed from father to son, and now to us. There are some well-repaired cracks throughout, all are very stable and the instrument is in concert-ready or recording condition. Overall, very desirable for its quality (and quantity) of sound, superb playability and aesthetic beauty – collector and performer alike will find this to be an extremely exciting instrument to own and play.