Luca Santambrogio Romanillos model classical guitar with mosaic rosette and Fiemme spruce soundboard
Luca Santambrogio Romanillos model classical guitar with mosaic rosette and Fiemme spruce soundboard

Romanillos model

The legacy of one of the most influential masters of the second half of the 20th century.

Deep, resonant basses provide a solid foundation for bright and direct trebles, while retaining the warmth of the Spanish sound.

A strong harmonic presence is combined with excellent clarity and separation between the voices, resulting in a well-balanced instrument that remains rewarding across the entire fingerboard.

This special construction offers a wide palette of tonal colours, giving the guitarist the freedom to explore and shape the sound through their own touch.

The distinctive mosaic of arches and columns, inspired by the famous colonnade of the Mezquita of Córdoba, is one of the most iconic and immediately recognisable stylistic elements of modern luthiery.

Like the Master, I choose to use only the natural colours of the different wood species, without resorting to dyed woods.

Details of the Romanillos mosaic tiles made by Italian luthier Luca Santambrogio
Details of the Romanillos mosaic tiles made by Italian luthier Luca Santambrogio

Arches & Columns

Romanillos signature mosaic made by Italian luthier Luca Santambrogio
Romanillos signature mosaic made by Italian luthier Luca Santambrogio

José Luis Romanillos revived this ancient technique after studying a guitar built by Hermann Hauser.

The reasons for using this particular joint between the neck and headstock go far beyond its aesthetic appeal and the craftsmanship involved.

Unlike the traditional scarf joint, which is subjected to the tension of the strings, a V-joint is constantly reinforced by the same pulling force exerted by the strings.

Because the joint does not pass through the peg slots, it remains structurally intact throughout its entire length. The result is greater strength and increased sustain.

Detail of the V-joint between the Spanish cedar neck and headstock made by luthier Luca Santambrogio
Detail of the V-joint between the Spanish cedar neck and headstock made by luthier Luca Santambrogio

V-joint