Romanillos

Luca Santambrogio’s Romanillos model draws on one of the most influential traditions in modern classical-guitar making while introducing several carefully judged contemporary details. Built around a particularly fine spruce soundboard, it combines a polished concert character with lyrical trebles, excellent clarity and an exceptionally comfortable playing feel.

Luca trained at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria di Milano under Roberto De Miranda before working in Marco Bortolozzo’s Milan workshop. This model acknowledges the legacy of José Luis Romanillos, whose instruments became closely associated with Julian Bream and whose scholarship with Marian Harris greatly advanced the modern understanding of Antonio de Torres and the Spanish guitar-making tradition.

The guitar pairs spruce with Indian rosewood, a Spanish cedar neck and an ebony fingerboard. Traditional Spanish construction and Romanillos bracing are complemented by a French-polished finish and Alessi tuning machines.

Its 650 mm scale is combined with a slim C-shaped neck and 51.7 mm nut, producing one of the most comfortable profiles I have encountered on a new concert guitar. The standard 3 mm and 4 mm action retains ample dynamic headroom, while the compact 54 mm saddle spacing reduces the stretch required by the right hand and makes rapid movement between strings noticeably easier.

The sound captures the purity and articulation associated with a fine spruce-top guitar. The trebles are sweet, sustained and full of musical colour, while the firm, clearly defined basses support the instrument without clouding the midrange. Separation remains excellent through contrapuntal writing, and the quick, tactile response gives the player considerable scope to shape tone and dynamics.

Lyrical, balanced and exceptionally comfortable, this is a compelling choice for players who value traditional spruce character but prefer a more accommodating modern feel. It has the clarity and dynamic range required for the concert hall, yet remains an inviting partner for long and detailed practice sessions.