José Luis Romanillos - 1986 - “La Mandela” No. 639

José Luis Romanillos Vega was born in Madrid in 1932, where he started his cabinet-making apprenticeship at the age of thirteen. In 1956, he moved to England to work in a hospital in Epsom and a few months later in a hospital in London. Five years later, José Luis Romanillos, made his first Spanish guitar in London.

Encouraged by the English guitarist Julian Bream in 1970, J. L. Romanillos set up a guitar-making workshop in the village of Semley, Wiltshire. Romanillos’ guitars have received recognition for their sound quality as well as for their aesthetical appearance from guitarists worldwide. Pure sound and harmonic balance of the strings are what Romanillos looked for and achieved in his quest of the subtle “Spanish sound”. The Daily Mail has called him “the Stradivari of the guitar” and the Italian magazine Sei Corde “the most important living stringed instrument maker”.

J. L. Romanillos has given courses on Spanish guitar making in numerous countries as well as lectures and seminars about the organology of the instrument. He has also given lectures on the history and development of the vihuela de mano and the Spanish guitar. In addition, he was a member of the Crafts Council of Great Britain for ten years. Since 1995 he was living in Guijosa, a rural district annexed to Sigüenza in the northern part of the province of Guadalajara in Spain. In collaboration with his wife Marian, he published a dictionary of stringed-instrument makers and guitar-makers of Spain titled “The Vihuela de Mano and the Spanish Guitar” in 2002.

This exceptional guitar, numbered 639, was crafted in 1986 and named “La Mandela,” perhaps alluding its intricate patterns and symmetrical design. A stunning instrument in both sound and appearance, it offers a masterful blend of playability, tonal richness, and visual beauty.

The 1986 “Mandela” delivers flawless playability, immediately engaging the guitarist with its responsive nature while allowing full control and freedom to shape the tone. Whether played with the lightest touch or the most powerful attack, this guitar responds effortlessly. The trebles resonate with lively energy and a remarkable sustain, while the basses are refined and robust, creating a well-rounded tonal balance. Voice separation is outstanding, and the tonal palette is versatile. When played softly, the sound is airy and delicate, while increased intensity reveals its dynamic range and powerful projection, even roaring with vigor when pushed to its limits.

Visually, the guitar is breathtaking, showcasing exquisite Brazilian rosewood and a beautifully aged spruce top. The craftsmanship by J.L. Romanillos is unparalleled, with extraordinary attention to detail in every aspect—from his signature rosette and the seamless v-joint between head and neck to the finely crafted wooden seams and perfectly contoured neck profile.

In terms of condition, the guitar remains in very good shape, with only a few well-repaired, superficial hairline cracks on the back and sides, and at the left junction between the fingerboard and soundboard. The top features two cracks next to the left-upper bout which have been professionally repaired with diamond cleats.

Combining all these exceptional qualities, this guitar stands as a true masterpiece—a concert-level instrument that will inspire its fortunate owner and bring joy for years to come.