1994 Rafael Moreno Rodríguez SP/IN

This 1994 Rafael Moreno Rodríguez is a spruce and Indian rosewood classical guitar from Granada, Spain – a monster instrument with tap plates added, so it works in classical or flamenco settings.

A Monster Instrument

This particular guitar is a monster instrument by this maker – huge sound, akin to the most powerful instruments being made today with lattice bracing or sandwich tops – yet with a rich, traditional old-world Spanish sound. It has the classic headstock shape of this maker, carved in the style of a pomegranate (a tribute to the city of Granada, which is actually the Spanish word for "pomegranate"). This is an exceptional concert guitar and we recommend it highly both for its concert-worthy sound and refined, unique workmanship.

The Label and Condition

The label states a date of 1994, although it appears Rafael accidentally wrote 1984 at first, then over-wrote it as 1994. But the number sequencing with other instruments of his places this in 1994, not 1984. Condition of the instrument is very good, and tap plates have been added to this guitar, making it useful in a classical or flamenco setting.

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.