1976 Miguel Rodriguez "Churchdoor" CD/CSAR (ex Angel Romero)

The "Churchdoor" instruments are the prized collectors' pieces for aficionados, fans and admirers of Miguel Rodriguez Jr., who built this instrument. They are immediately recognizable for their unique look – the grain patterns in the back and sides contrast between very strong yellow colored sapwood to the darker, browner heartwood, giving rise to a very dramatic and swirling texture. This guitar in particular has heavy sap elements, both in the sides and back - very striking and incredibly beautiful. Although the instruments featuring these distinctive sets of wood have lovingly been called "Churchdoor" guitars over the years, the origin of this name is still buried in legend, some insist that the wood was obtained from a centuries-old door of an old Andalucian church, while others prefer the more symbolic meaning that refers to the sound as having a large, powerful, cathedral-like presence. Either reference in spirit is true once one has had the opportunity to appreciate and experience the aesthetic beauty of the materials and the quality of sound of these great instruments. This “Churchdoor” was owned and concertized on for many years by Angel Romero and lives up to its reputation with ease - with powerful and thick trebles, and loose, boomy basses giving the guitar a big personality with its fiesta-like exuberance. Although a longscale, this is incredibly easy to play - Miguel Rodriguez being famous for the comfortable shape of his necks, this one being a fantastic example. This has it all - the look, sound and feel of one of the most iconic instruments of the twentieth century. It sounds as majestic as it looks - this instrument simply has it all - big, broad and lush sound with flamenco-like response and an entirely southern Spanish character to it. Magnificent.