2017 José L. Romanillos & Son "La Campanula Azul" SP/IN

This 2017 "La Campanula Azul" No. 872 is a José L. Romanillos & Son classical guitar in spruce and Indian rosewood, built in Gillingham, Dorset, England, by Liam Romanillos with his father José Romanillos taking part from Spain – signed by both, in near-mint condition.

José Romanillos and His Son Liam

The late José Romanillos became established as one of the greatest luthiers of the twentieth century. His instruments found their way into the hands of many leading players, but the best-known champion of these guitars is Julian Bream, who performed on them almost exclusively for much of his career.

The label on this guitar bears José's signature as well as that of his son Liam, who had been partnered in the business since 1991 (both signatures appear under the top as well). After José moved back to his native Spain in the mid-1990s, Liam took over the lion's share of the work in England, though José would often participate in some of the construction details and supply materials to Liam.

Sound

This instrument has all the qualities of an exceptional guitar: a sweet and lyrical tone with excellent separation. Its volume is excellent, and yet it's almost "noiseless" – string and nail noise are absorbed rather than amplified, so the notes themselves sound unhindered.

Inlays, Moorish Arches and a "Torres" Body

The detailing on this guitar is stunning, particularly in the tie block, headstock and rosette, which all feature elaborate inlays, including the famous "Moorish arch" shape in the head and in the mosaic of the rosette. The 4-piece back also shows very fine, super-thin purflings between the outer pieces, which is subtle but lovely. The instrument is a bit on the smaller side, very reminiscent of the classic "Torres" style, of which Romanillos is perhaps the greatest exponent.

Condition

Condition is near-mint, with barely any wear in the finish. The guitar is fitted in a Visesnut "Active Series" case. All in, this is a remarkable and breathtaking instrument.

Orfeo article on José Romanillos

José Luis Romanillos: From Madrid to Semley

José Luis Romanillos Vega (1932–2022) was born in Madrid and at thirteen years of age was apprenticed to a Madrid cabinetmaking firm. In 1956 he moved to England to work in a hospital in Epsom and a few months later in a hospital in London. Five years later he made his first Spanish guitar in London. In 1970 he set up a workshop as a guitar maker in the village of Semley, Wiltshire, encouraged by the English guitarist Julian Bream, and it was here that he built the legendary 1973 guitar that Bream would concertize and record on for many years.

"The Stradivari of the Guitar"

Romanillos guitars have received recognition from guitarists at an international level, including Carlos Bonell, Gilbert Biberian and Antigoni Goni, among many others. The British "Daily Mail" called him "the Stradivari of the guitar" and the Italian magazine "Sei Corde" "the most important living stringed instrument maker".

Author and Teacher

In 1995 he retired from full-time guitar building and moved to Guijosa, Spain – a rural district annexed to Sigüenza, in the northern part of the province of Guadalajara. He published several important books, including his biography and study of Antonio de Torres and a dictionary of stringed musical instrument makers and guitar makers of Spain titled "The Vihuela de Mano and the Spanish Guitar". He also famously and tirelessly gave courses and lectures on Spanish guitar making in numerous countries. José Luis Romanillos died in Sigüenza on February 12, 2022.