Pepe Romero Jr. is a classical guitar maker from the legendary Romero guitar family – son of the great guitarist Pepe Romero and grandson of Celedonio Romero – who has built more than 400 guitars.
At a Glance
- Family: son of guitarist Pepe Romero; grandson of Celedonio Romero, patriarch of the Romero guitar family
- First guitar: built at 18 in the workshop of Dake Traphagen
- Studied with: Miguel Rodríguez (1997), José Luis Romanillos, Manuel Contreras II, Yuris Zeltins and Edmund Blöchinger
- Influences: Miguel Rodríguez above all, plus Santos Hernández and Domingo Esteso
- Output: more than 400 guitars, each built by hand
- Waiting list: about four years for new guitars
A Family That Lives the Spanish Guitar
Pepe Romero Jr. was born into a family that lives the Spanish guitar. He is the son of the great guitarist Pepe Romero and the grandson of Celedonio Romero, patriarch of the legendary Romero guitar family, and he has loved the guitar since his childhood. He grew up playing some of the world's greatest guitars from his father's incredible collection. Growing up surrounded by masterpieces by Antonio de Torres, Domingo Esteso, Santos Hernández, Hermann Hauser, and Miguel Rodríguez set the standard in Pepe's mind for how a guitar should be made.
Apprenticeship and Mentors
At 18 years old, Pepe went to Dake Traphagen's workshop to build a guitar. Upon completing it, he decided to dedicate himself to the profession of guitar maker. In 1997, Pepe was lucky enough to spend time in the workshop of Miguel Rodríguez in Córdoba shortly before Rodríguez passed away. He went on to study with and receive guidance from José Luis Romanillos, Manuel Contreras II, Yuris Zeltins, and Edmund Blöchinger. Pepe and Blöchinger have since become great friends and have made two guitars together.
In the Tradition of Miguel Rodríguez
Pepe is heavily influenced by the Rodríguez guitars, and his style of building is very similar to Rodríguez's. He is also inspired by the elegant look and beautiful sound of the guitars of Santos Hernández and Domingo Esteso. Each guitar is handcrafted and built in the traditional Spanish method.
International Demand
Pepe has now built more than 400 guitars. His instruments are in great demand among concert guitarists and collectors worldwide, and he has a waiting list of about four years for new guitars. He dedicates all of his guitars to his grandfather, Celedonio Romero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pepe Romero Jr.? A classical guitar maker and a member of the Romero guitar family: the son of guitarist Pepe Romero and the grandson of Celedonio Romero.
Who did Pepe Romero Jr. learn guitar making from? He built his first guitar at 18 in the workshop of Dake Traphagen, spent time with Miguel Rodríguez in Córdoba in 1997, and studied with José Luis Romanillos, Manuel Contreras II, Yuris Zeltins and Edmund Blöchinger.
What guitars influenced Pepe Romero Jr.? Above all those of Miguel Rodríguez, along with Santos Hernández and Domingo Esteso. He grew up playing his father's collection of guitars by Torres, Esteso, Santos Hernández, Hauser and Rodríguez.
How many guitars has Pepe Romero Jr. made? More than 400, each built by hand. He has a waiting list of about four years for new guitars.
