Miguel Rodriguez, 1987

This 1987 Miguel Rodriguez concert guitar represents one of the great voices of Spanish lutherie. Known for their unmistakable power, balance, and Spanish character, Rodriguez guitars have been performed on by many of the most famous players of the 20th century. Perhaps most notably, the entire Romero family has relied on Miguel Rodriguez guitars for decades, with Pepe Romero’s legendary “La Wonderful” (built in 1973) becoming one of the most recorded and performed classical guitars in history.

This particular instrument is a spruce top model built in 1987, featuring an extraordinary set of old-growth Brazilian rosewood and Rodriguez’s distinctive fan bracing design. It is the first Rodriguez we have had the chance to present on GuitarCollection.com, though we have owned and performed on a 1980 example ourselves. Like that guitar, this 1987 example immediately impresses with both its enormous projection and the beauty of its voice.

Specifications

Luthier: Miguel Rodriguez
Year: 1987
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
Construction: Traditional, fan braced
Scale Length: 667 mm
Nut Width: 53 mm
Fingerboard: Ebony
Tuners: Original
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
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Condition: Excellent, no cracks or repairs

Construction & Design

The spruce top carries the traditional floral Rodriguez rosette with a matching tie block motif, and the fan bracing includes the unique central support brace extending toward the sides that is characteristic of the workshop. The back and sides are old-growth Brazilian rosewood, light in color, quartered, and strikingly figured. The rounded Rodriguez headstock retains its original tuners, and the ebony fingerboard wears its original tall frets.

Sound

Rodriguez guitars are famous for their remarkable power, and this 1987 example may be among the loudest traditional Spanish guitars we have ever encountered. Its voice competes directly with modern double tops and lattice instruments while retaining the depth, warmth, and Spanish flavor that has made these guitars so sought after.

The basses are open, resonant, and intoxicating, with immense presence. The trebles are lyrical and projecting, with a clear singing quality across all registers. Balance is even across the strings and registers, and projection is astonishing, with the volume and clarity to easily fill a concert hall. The instrument responds beautifully to a delicate pianissimo while unleashing tremendous power under rest stroke.

Playability

At 667 mm, the scale length is longer than standard, but the guitar feels surprisingly easy to play thanks to its comfortable neck, tall frets, and excellent setup. Players with larger hands may even find added ease in upper-position passages, while those with smaller hands may wish to consider the scale length carefully. Overall, this is a concert instrument that inspires confidence and rewards a strong right-hand approach.

The guitar is in excellent condition, with only light signs of use consistent with its age. There are no cracks or repairs. The spruce top has developed a warm, aged patina, and the Brazilian rosewood back and sides are particularly striking, showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship of Miguel Rodriguez’s work.