Julian Bream’s name resonates deeply within the world of classical guitar. His virtuosity and dedication not only elevated the instrument’s profile but also fostered a community of luthiers and musicians. Among those he championed was the renowned luthier José Romanillos. Bream’s support was instrumental in Romanillos’s career, famously providing him with a workshop on his estate. This patronage cemented a lasting connection between the guitarist Julian Bream and the exquisite instruments crafted by Romanillos.
This connection takes on a delightful twist in a story that underscores the hidden treasures that await keen-eyed guitar enthusiasts. Imagine a small pub nestled in County Kerry, Ireland, far removed from concert halls and guitar shops. Adorning its walls, a collection of stringed instruments – fiddles, banjos, mandolins, and guitars – served as rustic décor. Among them hung a guitar that caught the eye of a touring guitarist.
Upon closer inspection, the guitarist recognized the maker’s label: Romanillos. A surge of excitement must have coursed through him. Knowing the esteemed reputation of Romanillos guitars, he inquired about purchasing the instrument from the pub owner. The landlord, a shrewd negotiator typical of his profession, sensed an opportunity. He quoted a price of three hundred pounds, seemingly exorbitant for a dusty guitar hanging on a pub wall.
The guitarist, barely containing his anticipation, excused himself to make a phone call. He contacted Romanillos himself, seeking to verify the guitar’s authenticity. The luthier offered a simple yet ingenious method: check for a serial number plate inside the soundhole, near the neck. A quick trip to the local pharmacy for a small mirror, and the guitarist was back in the pub. With the aid of the mirror, he peered inside the guitar and there it was – the telltale serial number, confirming it was indeed a genuine Romanillos.
Returning to the bar, with feigned nonchalance masking his elation, the guitarist agreed to the landlord’s price. Three hundred pounds secured a Romanillos guitar, an instrument easily worth thirty times that amount. The guitar, now in appreciative hands, continues to be played and cherished, a testament to the serendipitous encounter in a County Kerry pub.
This anecdote serves as a charming reminder for all guitar aficionados, especially those who admire the legacy of Guitar Julian Bream helped shape: keep your eyes open, and perhaps, always carry a small mirror. You never know when you might stumble upon a hidden gem of guitar history in the most unexpected of places.
