Manuel Romero Macías
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Manuel Romero Macías is a Spanish luthier of classical and flamenco guitars. He was born in Montellano, Sevilla in 1935. His father was a poor shoe maker, and so they could not afford to buy things. When Manuel wanted a guitar, there was no alternative but to make it himself. He built it on his father's shoemaker's bench. He confesses it was truly awful, but he learned from it, and went on to build one then another. Players of the epoch would point out their faults, and successively he would correct them. Finally, he enrolled in a conservatory of music where he perfected his art. Although he started building guitars in 1953, it wasn't until 1962 that he began to sell them professionally. Now, he has clients world wide. His guitars are entirely handmade using traditional methods and designs, as a result his production is very limited. As a guitar maker, Manuel takes his inspiration from the guitars of Santos Hernandez (1874-1943). He uses prime materials to make his guitars. However, to keep them affordable, he does not fuss over the finer details of craftsmanship, so his instruments have a handmade look. Nonetheless, his classical guitars offer a concert quality sound, and have a typically Spanish, haunting, almost magical tone. The basses are rich and balance excellent. The trebles are clear and as easily produce penetrating or sweet notes. |
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