1975 MANUEL G. CONTRERAS CLASSICAL GUITAR, Commissioned by Pepe and Angel Romero

In 1975, Pepe and Angel Romero were the world’s premier classical guitar duo. They could choose to play guitars built by any of the world’s finest makers. After consulting with Manuel Contreras as to possible designs, they commissioned a matched pair of guitars for their work as a duo (such paired guitars are referred to as “sister guitars”).  The instruments were built in Madrid, then flown to California, where the Romeros were living. Unfortunately, one of the guitars was destroyed in transit. The other arrived in perfect condition. They kept the good guitar and ordered a new pair of matched instruments from Contreras for Pepe and Angel’s duo performances.  (It is possible that the guitar I am selling was played in concert in conjunction with an unmatched guitar while they were waiting for the new pair to arrive, but that is speculation.)  After several years, the undamaged guitar was sold to a student of Celin Romero, Pepe and Angel Romero's brother, who was a Professor of Guitar at UC San Diego, just south of where the Romero family lived. The guitar I am selling is that undamaged guitar.  I was a music student at UC San Diego and I acquired the instrument shortly after the man who bought it from the Romero family realized that he was not going to pursue a profession as a classical guitarist.

The sound of this guitar is exactly what you would have in mind when you think of great Spanish guitars from the second half of the 20th century. It is warm and clear, with concert hall filling projection and excellent articulation.  The Brazilian rosewood chosen for this instrument is magnificent, with tight grain and colorful reflections. The instrument is in excellent condition and has only had light usage in all these years. It has no cracks and only a few traces of having been played (there is one small indentation just behind the bridge where the 1st string came lose and snapped down on the top, and a small mark on the edge of the fingerboard by the second fret - see photos). Most people will never get a chance to touch a guitar that has been played by a member of the Romero family, let alone to own one that was commissioned by and built for them. This guitar is a piece of history! The photos were cropped to square format by Reverb.com, so some details are harder to see. I can make more photos are available upon request.

Manuel Gonzalez Contreras (1928-1994) was a world-class guitar maker based in Madrid who strongly influenced the guitar world in the second half of the 20th century. Between 1959 and 1962 he was an apprentice in the workshop of José Ramirez. He then opened his own shop and by the 1970’s was recognized as one of the finest guitar builders in Spain.  By 1975, when this guitar was built, he was at the absolute height of his powers.

The Romeros are often called “The Royal Family of the Guitar”. Their catalog of concerts and recordings is extensive and highly respected. The father, Celodonio, guitarist, composer, and poet, died in 1996.  In February of 2000, the Romero brothers were each presented with the Grand Cross of Isabel la Catolica (the highest honor that is given in Spain), and they were knighted for their musical accomplishments.

Luthier: Manuel G. Contreras

Year: 1975

Top: Red Cedar

Body and sides: Brazilian Rosewood

Saddle and Nut: Bone

Scale: 662 mm

Nut: 53 mm

Body Resonant Frequency: G

Shipping in the Continental U.S. is $325 due to insurance and extra-heavy packaging costs.  I would be happy to answer any questions that you have.