Featured builder:
Pepe Romero Jr.

As string instruments have improved and musical styles have changed, La Bella continues to be the pioneer who offers musicians and luthier’s many choices for creative expression. We have created the Luthier’s Corner to familiarize La Bella players with the instrument builders that exclusively use our strings on their instruments. These very fine builders would never compromise their precious instruments’ sound with anything else. Players around the world can confirm that the marriage between a great instrument and a great string is vital in getting the most out of your performance. All other things being equal, it is not much to say than an instrument is only as good as its strings.

We are honored to know that a builder like Pepe chooses only La Bella for all his hand crafted guitars. It is our pleasure to have Pepe Romero Jr. as part of the La Bella family. Pepe prefers the 2001 series and the all new Argento Pure Silver classical guitar strings. Please enjoy some photo’s of Pepe’s work place in California.

Pepe Romero Jr. was born into a family that lives the Spanish guitar. From his childhood Pepe loved the guitar. He grew up playing some of the worlds greatest guitars from the incredible collection of his father. Growing up surrounded by guitars made by Torres, Esteso, Santos Hernandez, Hauser, and Miguel Rodriguez set the standard for how a guitar should be made.

At 18 years old Pepe went to the workshop of Dake Traphagen to build a guitar. Upon completion of his guitar, Pepe decided to dedicate himself to being a builder. In 1997, Pepe was lucky enough to spend time in the workshop of Miguel Rodriguez shortly before he passed away. He moved on to study with and receive guidance from J.L. Romanillos, Manuel Contrera II , Yuris Zeltins and Edmund Blochinger. Pepe and Blochinger have become great friends and made 2 guitars together.

As of December 2008, Pepe has made over 150+ guitars. Each one is hand crafted and built in the traditional Spanish method. His guitars are in great demand by concert artist and collectors worldwide. He has a waiting list of about 4 years for new guitars.

http://www.peperomero.com/luthier/home.html

 

All materials copyright © 2007 E&O Mari/La Bella, unless otherwise noted.