J.L. Romanillos, 1971

This 1971 José Romanillos No. 208 is a superb example from Romanillos’s celebrated 200-series, built during one of the most historically important periods of his career. The 200-series was based on the 1936 Hauser I owned by Julian Bream, and this guitar sits beautifully within that lineage, offering a sound that feels remarkably close to the revered Hauser ideal while still carrying Romanillos’s unmistakable personal voice.

Built during the period when Romanillos was working closely with Bream, this guitar reflects the kind of refinement, experimentation, and sensitivity that made his instruments so important to the development of the modern Spanish guitar.

Specs

Year: 1971
Serial Number: No. 208
Top: Spruce
Back and Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
Scale Length: 652mm
Nut Width: 51mm
String Spacing at Nut: 42.5mm
String Spacing at Bridge: 54.5mm
Tuners: Original Landstorfer tuners
Series Reference: Romanillos 200-series, based on Julian Bream’s 1936 Hauser I
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF (carbon G & B, nylon high-tension first string)
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Sound

The sound of this Romanillos is extraordinary. Romanillos once described a great Spanish guitar as having warm, clear, crystalline trebles and basses that feel as if they are coming from the well of a cave. That description could hardly be more fitting here.

The basses are deep, cavernous, and resonant, while the trebles are chime-like, warm, and full of color. There is a remarkable sense of sustain throughout the register, not simply notes that ring for a long time, but notes that seem to hold their presence and bloom naturally. The result is a guitar that rewards subtle playing, allowing the player to explore color, vibrato, and phrasing in a way that feels deeply musical.

Playability

The playability is excellent, especially for a guitar of this age. The neck has a comfortable C-shaped profile, the action is low, and the guitar feels effortless throughout the fingerboard. Many older instruments suffer from neck movement, excessive bellying, or setup limitations, but this Romanillos remains wonderfully easy to play.

The sustain also makes vibrato especially satisfying. Notes do not disappear quickly, giving the player time to shape them with real nuance.

Aesthetics and Craftsmanship

The spruce top has aged beautifully, with a warm, darkened character that only time can create. The rosette is elegant and detailed, different from the later Romanillos arch rosette, but still unmistakably refined. The bridge is simple and tasteful, and the classic Romanillos head design gives the guitar a strong sense of identity.

The Brazilian rosewood back and sides are beautiful and, notably, have no cracks or repairs. The top is also free of cracks, with normal wear, small marks, and some polish touch-ups consistent with an instrument of this age.

This guitar is in excellent structural condition for its age. There are no cracks or repairs to the top, back, or sides. There is visible playing wear, small marks, and polish touch-up work, but nothing that takes away from the integrity or beauty of the instrument.

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