2015 Rafael Moreno Rodriguez SP/CSAR

This guitar has a beautiful back with a narrow piece of flamed maple inserted between two pieces of stunning and aged CSA rosewood. Binding is also in maple, which frames the guitar beautifully - the design and quality of materials make this an absolutely stunning guitar in appearance. The interior of the guitar reveals Moreno Rodriguez' standard lighter 6-strut system but with a twist - the fanning of the struts is "reversed" (so that they become wider as they approach the soundhole, radiating away from the foot). This is a system that Pepe Romero Jr. has been doing exclusively since 2009 (although he does it with 7 fans) after coming into the possession of a rare 1970 Miguel Rodriguez guitar with this very system employed. To our ears, this seems to assist in making the top of this guitar more responsive and looser, yet with more clarity and focus to each note. Volume is also excellent without being boomy and a thick, dark sound is achieved in all registers - most remarkably in the trebles. Features a 20th fret for the high c natural required in some of the guitar repertoire. This is an exceptional concert guitar in this price range and we recommend it highly both for its concert-worthy sound and refined, unique workmanship and aesthetics.

Orfeo Magazine #8 - The Granada School