2002 Rafael Moreno Rodríguez "Sueño" CD/CSAR

This 2002 Rafael Moreno Rodríguez "Sueño" is a cedar and CSA rosewood classical guitar from Granada, Spain – an example of the richly inlaid flagship model that Rafa builds mainly for collectors and concert players.

A Tribute to Joaquín Ruiz

The "Sueño" ("Dream") is Rafa's flagship model. Years ago he had a 19th-century Joaquín Ruiz guitar in his possession for some restoration work, fell in love with its unique and incredible craftsmanship and style, and decided to carry some of its decorative elements into this model in memory of that instrument and its maker.

Back Purflings, Period Bridge and Pomegranate Head

Look at the back: a thick, multi-band purfling joins at the heel and at the foot and breaks into interlacing lines that fill a wide rosewood strip along its full length. The sheer virtuosity needed for this level of craftsmanship has rarely been matched over the last 100 years, and it is truly impressive. The guitar also has a 19th-century period-style bridge, and its headstock is shaped like a pomegranate, the fruit for which Granada is named. The materials are first rate, including some exquisite CSA rosewood with green/blue hues in the sides.

Sound

Overall, this is Rafa at his most creative, with the characteristic sound of his guitars: big volume without being boomy, and thick and dark across all registers. An exceptional concert guitar that we recommend highly for its sound and 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.