1970 Miguel Rodriguez SP/IN (ex Pepe Romero Jr.)
Year | 1970 |
Top | Spruce |
Back & Sides | Indian Rosewood |
Scale Length | 656 mm |
Nut width | 54 mm |
Finish | French Polish |
Country | Spain |
Luthier | Miguel Rodriguez |
The classical and flamenco guitars of Miguel Rodriguez have been the favorite pick of many leading concert artists, most notably all members of the Romero family. This instrument was owned for many years by the guitar-building member of the family, Pepe Romero Jr. and served as his primary inspiration for the bracing system he has adopted and used exclusively since his 170th instrument. This Rodriguez is one of only a handful that Miguel Jr. built (the idea apparently being that of Miguel Sr.) that uses a reverse fan system (fans radiating from the bridge area, rather than from the soundhole). Pepe feels this opens the instrument up, and gives it a unique distinctive quality of sound that appeals greatly to his sense of style. It isn't known why Rodriguez didn't continue to build in this style for longer, but this system will continue live itself out in the guitars of Pepe Romero Jr.
The tone of this Rodriguez is very clean and balanced with dark, powerful basses and thick trebles which carry a lot of weight. The separation between voices is superb, and this is achieved without the loss of warmth. Due to their lightweight construction, Rodriguez classical guitars are known to have a flamenco response to them, giving them great bounce and instant presence, which this guitar achieves with ease. The guitar has one expertly repaired crack on the top, but other than that, it is in great condition with only some playing wear. Very few instruments are known from the period between 1969 and 1972, so this is considered rare from this point of view. This guitar is not only very collectible for the Rodriguez aficionado, but it has all the desirable traits of a world-class concert instrument that any performer could desire.