2001 Rafael Moreno Rodríguez "Sueño" CD/CSAR (ex Celin Romero)

This 2001 Rafael Moreno Rodríguez "Sueño" is a concert classical guitar in cedar and CSA rosewood from Granada, Spain, made for Celin Romero of the Romeros – its label carries the dedication "A mi amigo Celín Romero."

Rafa's Flagship Model, the "Sueño"

This is Rafael Moreno Rodríguez' flagship model, which he has named "Sueño" ("Dream"). It was inspired by an instrument built by 19th-century guitar maker Joaquín Ruiz – which Rafa had in his possession many years ago for some restoration work. He quickly fell in love with the unique and incredible craftsmanship and style, and decided to incorporate some of the decorative elements into this model as a tribute to the memory of that instrument and maker.

Interlacing Purflings and a Pomegranate Headstock

Some of the notable features include the thick, multi-band purfling on the back, which comes together at both the heel and foot areas and breaks apart into a pattern of interlacing lines that fill a wide rosewood strip the entire length of the back. This bold and daring design combined with its flawless technical execution has resulted in a unique and tasteful aesthetic that we've rarely seen matched in the last 100 years of guitar making – it is truly impressive. It is also fitted with an 18-hole tie block at the bridge (to protect the MOP inlay from string damage), and the headstock is shaped after the pomegranate fruit – a tribute to the city of Granada, "granada" being the Spanish word for "pomegranate."

The materials are first rate, including one of the most lavish sets of CSA rosewood for the back and sides that we've seen, as well as a very dark, almost burgundy-colored cedar top.

Sound and Condition

This model (and this instrument in particular) clearly represents Rafa at his most creative. It has the characteristic sound of his guitars – big volume without being boomy and a thick, dark sound across all registers. Although used, it is in excellent condition with no damage or repairs, only some playing wear in the soundboard finish. This is an exceptional concert guitar and we recommend it highly, both for its concert-worthy sound and provenance and for its refined, unique workmanship.

Read more: Orfeo Magazine No. 8 – The Granada School

Rafael Moreno Rodríguez: Classical and Flamenco Guitar Maker of Granada

Rafael Moreno Rodríguez (b. 1954) – "Rafa" to everyone in Granada – began making guitars at the early age of 12 under the watchful eyes of Manuel López Bellido and Antonio Marín Montero, and in those early years he also studied with Eduardo Ferrer, often called the "teacher of teachers" of the Granada school. Although unrelated to Miguel Rodríguez of Córdoba, he counts Rodríguez's guitars among his strongest influences, along with those of Santos Hernández and Benito Ferrer. After his apprenticeship he opened his own shop on the famous Cuesta de Gomérez below the Alhambra, where he stayed until 2000; since then he has worked at Jesús y María 10.

One Level of Guitar, Built Entirely by Hand

Rafa works alone and refuses to hurry. He builds every guitar from scratch – down to the bone nut and saddle, carved by hand – mostly from CSA rosewood, spruce and cedar that he bought, cut and cured himself, and he makes only one level of instrument. His classical and flamenco guitars have been played by Pepe and Celin Romero, Vicente Coves, Gerardo Núñez, Juan and Pepe Habichuela and the late flamenco singer Enrique Morente, among many others.