Manuel Rodríguez Sr (1926-2008) learned his craft from his father, himself a constructor of flamenco and classical guitars. In 1939, he went to work for Jose Ramirez II, where his father was working as a french polisher, several years. In 1945 he began moonlighting, making his own guitars at home. In 1955, he opened a workshop at Ministriles No 6, in Madrid. Two years later he moved it to Jesus y Maria No 26. In 1959, he decided to move to Los Angeles, California, opening a workshop at 10400 Willshire Blvd. While in Los Angeles he, conducted research together with engineers at UCLA to improve the design of bracings, frets, tie-blocks, etc. In 1973, he moved back to Madrid, and opened a shop at calle Hortaliza, 26. In 1991, he opened a factory in Almansa, Albacete to produce a full line of Manuel Rodriguez guitars. In 1994, the factory moved to Illescas, Toledo.

This guitar, no. 219, was personally made by Manuel Rodriguez Sr in Los Angeles in 1963, and was his top model concert classical guitar, and so is made with the finest woods of a quality rarely seen these days. The guitar overall is in good condition. It does have cracks on the back, that were repaired (and nicely cleated) by Manuel in his shop in L.A. and are perfectly stable. The guitar was evidently used by someone who played flamenco--and didn't care that the guitar had no tap plate--so there are nail and strumming marks that mare the top. Cosmetically, refreshing the French polish would greatly improve its appearance, although probably never completely erase these marks. The guitar is set up as a classical guitar-- and has a great tone, and volume. Considering that one would pay three or four times the asking price to get a new guitar of similar tonal quality, this is a great bargain. All the original paper work still is with the guitar, and it comes with its hardcase.