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hhmusic -> RE: Jose Rodriguez Pena Luthier .. (May 1 2007 5:08:25)
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well, i know this thread is pretty dead, but i happen to read it before i left the house tonight to go to the paco pen~a show, and lo and behold, the 3rd guitarist was playing a jose rodriguez guitar. paco, of course, was playing his '81 cedar top gerundino, and the 2nd guitarist was playing a barba.
the jose rodriguez was built of spectacular woods: a cedar or possibly redwood top, with silking and even some flame-like figure that was visible from the audience, an ebony neck reinforcement, and the most beautiful 'church door' brazilian back and sides i've seen since the original rodriguez luthiers made the look famous, complete with a wide sapwood blaze.
soundwise, it's a little hard to comment given that, when the 2nd and 3rd guitarists were playing, there was a lot happening on stage, but i'd say that the jose rodriguez held its own against the barba in terms of projection and character, though it was much thicker, being a cedar top negra, than the barba, which sounded thin in comparison. both, however, were overshadowed by paco's trusty gerundino. perhaps not a surprise - he's been playing it for 20 years for a reason - it's a very complete guitar.
lastly, i once owned a jose rodriguez blanca, which jose antonio conde helped me buy, and i then picked it up at the rodriguez taller in cordoba. he is a very nice guy, easy to talk to, friendly and sociable. he seems to have an excellent work ethic, produces a lot of guitars (by himself), keeps his shop clean and workmanship neat. the top was a little thin for my taste, which made me possibly question its longevity; but it was not as 'huffy' as many thin-top guitars can be, was very responsive and a joy to play. i've been seriously downsizing my arsenal since the birth of our baby, and this was one of the harder guitars to let go. sometime in the future, i'd like to own another.
jose only speaks spanish, but does respond to emails. while his guitars are not "the best in andalucia," or whatever that ebay ad claimed, (based on my limited experience) i would say they are very good, and a perfectly viable alternative to a conde, romero, pedro de miguel, ramirez or other good, modern pro level instrument.
un saludo-
hh
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