José Luis Romanillos/Hector Quine - 1973
José Luis Romanillos/Hector Quine - 1973
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
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Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Hector Quine (December 30, 1926 – January 1, 2015) was a pioneering classical guitarist and educator whose contributions to the guitar world are immeasurable. Studying initially under Alexis Chesnakov, Quine’s early career was significantly influenced by his association with Julian Bream whom he met at Dr. Boris Perott’s “Philharmonic Society of Guitarists.” This relationship not only forged a lifelong friendship but also deeply influenced Quine’s approach to guitar playing and pedagogy. He authored numerous influential textbooks focusing on guitar methodology and technique, and notably became the first professor of guitar at the Royal Academy of Music. His teachings shaped the careers of eminent guitarists such as Roland Gallery, Michael Lewin, and David Russell. Beyond his educational contributions, Quine was an accomplished luthier, crafting 18 exceptional guitars from 1951 to 1973, reminiscent of the early Hermann Hauser I models. Notably, Julian Bream played Quine’s guitar no. 2 during his debut concert at London’s Wigmore Hall in 1951 and used the same instrument for his recordings in Vienna’s Mozart Hall in 1956, where Bream celebrated its bell-like tone as a revelation in sound.About the guitar
The guitar labeled “No. 18” from 1973 represents a unique collaboration in the world of lutherie, featuring a top crafted by Hector Quine and the remainder of the instrument-sides, back, fingerboard, and purfling—constructed by José Luis Romanillos. This partnership was confirmed by Quine to a student and friend, and is further authenticated by the label inside the guitar, which is handwritten with “completed by J. Romanillos.” The design and dimensions of this guitar align closely with those made by Romanillos during the 1970s, a period that also saw the creation of JB’s legendary Romanillos guitar.Dubbed “Quinillos” due to its dual heritage, this guitar is not only a piece of musical artistry but also a significant historical artifact, regarded as one of the rarest guitars on the planet. It remains in very good condition, free from any structural issues. The trebles resonate with the lively and bright characteristics reminiscent of Romanillos guitars from the 1970s, and the feel of the neck distinctly echoes Romanillos’s style, offering a comfortable and familiar playability. This instrument stands out not just for its exceptional craftsmanship and sound quality, but also for its unique provenance and collector’s value, making it a prized possession for any serious guitarist or collector.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.