2006 Rafael Moreno Rodriguez "Negra" SP/CSAR

Unrelated to Miguel Rodriguez of Cordoba, Granada-based builder Rafael Moreno Rodriguez is one of the veteran makers from Andalucia. His flamenco guitars are played professionally by his close friends Pepe and Juan Habichuela. Although completely different from his classical models in terms of construction, sound and design, it shares the same beautiful 18-hole bridge style and rosette. It has a slightly thinner body than the classical model, and is built with incredible materials - including a very striking set of CSA rosewood for the back and sides, with a maple strip down the center of the back. Like his blancas, this has a proper flamenco bridge and neck setup. It also shares much of the personality of the blanca, including the crisp, aggressive attack and shocking volume. However, the rosewood adds a very woody, earthy character to the tone, as well as noticeably longer sustain. This guitar is in excellent shape with one hairline (completely invisible from the outside) crack on the back expertly repaired by GV Rubio. Otherwise, just some normal playing wear in the finish from regular usage. The flamenco guitars of Rafael Moreno are simply incredible guitars for the price, and this is as great an example as you can find of his best work.

Orfeo Magazine #8 - The Granada School