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Miguel Rodriguez, 1987

$35,000.00

Spruce / CSA Rosewood

Overview

This 1987 Miguel Rodriguez concert guitar represents one of the great voices of Spanish luthiery. 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 I have had the chance to present on GuitarCollection.com, though I have owned and performed on one myself from 1980. Like that guitar, this 1987 example immediately impresses with both its enormous projection and the beauty of its voice.

Key Features

Year: 1987
Top: Spruce with traditional floral Rodriguez rosette and matching tie block motif
Bracing: Fan bracing with unique central support brace extending to the sides
Back & Sides: Old-growth Brazilian rosewood, light-colored, quartered with striking figure
Neck: Comfortable, rounded profile
Scale Length: 667mm
Nut Width: 52mm
Fingerboard: Ebony, original tall frets
Bridge: Rosewood, traditional tie block with floral inlay
Headstock: Rounded Rodriguez design with original tuners
Action: Low and comfortable, excellent setup
Condition: Excellent overall, with normal signs of play but no cracks or repairs

Sound & Playability

Rodriguez guitars are famous for their remarkable power, and this 1987 example may be among the loudest traditional Spanish guitars I 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.

Basses: Open, resonant, and intoxicating, with immense presence
Trebles: Lyrical and projecting, with a clear singing quality across all registers
Balance: Even across strings and registers, giving total confidence in performance
Projection: Astonishing volume and clarity, easily filling a concert hall
Dynamic Range: Responds beautifully to delicate pianissimo while unleashing tremendous power under rest stroke

At 667mm, 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.

Condition

The guitar is in excellent condition, with only light signs of use consistent with its age. 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.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com