1981 Jose Romanillos - A Golden-Era Tribute of Love and Craftsmanship

Crafted in 1981 by José Luis Romanillos, this guitar is an exceptionally rare piece. Instruments from the 1980s are widely regarded as representing the height of Romanillos’ artistry, and this example stands out even within that celebrated period. It is, to our knowledge, the only one he made featuring a bridge with inlay work inspired by the designs of Antonio de Torres.

An additional point of interest is its proximity in the maker’s sequence to Julian Bream’s renowned 1981 guitar, number 592, known as “La Lechuza,” as this instrument was completed just two serial numbers apart.

Named “La Veintidós,” meaning “the twenty-second,” the guitar was created to commemorate Romanillos’ 22nd wedding anniversary with his wife Marian. This personal significance helps explain the extraordinary choice of tonewoods and the intricate marquetry, making it a truly unique and meaningful creation.