Miguel Rodriguez 1979 "Churchdoor"

Overview

This 1979 Miguel Rodriguez “Churchdoor” is an incredibly exciting guitar for us to have here at Guitar Collection. Miguel Rodriguez guitars from this period are among the most charismatic, powerful, and sought-after Spanish guitars of the late 20th century, and this example may be the most exceptional one we have encountered.

It is no secret that we love Miguel Rodriguez guitars, and this instrument shows exactly why. It has the huge, warm, unmistakably Spanish voice these guitars are famous for, but also an extraordinary expressive range. It can sound aggressive, fiery, and authoritative, yet also fragile, gentle, and deeply lyrical. It can respond immediately when asked, but it can also produce a slow, relaxed bloom that feels perfectly suited to a long melodic line.

Part of what makes these guitars so legendary is their close connection to the Romero family. Miguel Rodriguez Jr. built many guitars for members of the Romero family, including Pepe Romero’s famous “La Wonderful,” which helped cement the maker’s reputation among players and collectors alike. These guitars have a very particular kind of magic: power, warmth, color, projection, and an almost electric sense of life.

This example is especially exciting because it features the famed Brazilian rosewood “Churchdoor” back and sides, the same general visual style associated with some of the most famous Rodriguez guitars. While the “churchdoor” story has taken on a somewhat mythical quality over time, the term is used to describe this striking Brazilian rosewood with its dramatic light center figure. It is visually spectacular, and the kind of back and sides that make you want to turn the guitar around after a performance just so the audience can see it.

This one is also meaningful to us because a 1980 Miguel Rodriguez belongs in Evan’s personal collection and has long been a reference point for what we love in a great Rodriguez, and for that matter, a great guitar: warmth, power, depth, color, and unmistakable Spanish character. This 1979 Churchdoor shares so much of that same magic, with an added brilliance and “sizzle” that separates a very good Rodriguez from a truly great one.

Sound & Character

The sound of this guitar is absolutely thrilling. From the first chord, the power is immediately obvious. If you are used to many traditional fan-braced guitars, this kind of volume can almost make you question what you are playing. It has the kind of projection and presence that feels almost modern in its power, yet the voice remains completely Spanish, organic, and full of character.

What makes the guitar so special, though, is that the volume does not require you to play loudly. It simply gives you the option. Some powerful guitars lose charm at quiet dynamics, but this Rodriguez remains beautiful, colorful, and full of overtones even when played gently. When pushed, however, there seems to be no ceiling. The guitar opens up with enormous authority and fills the room with ease.

The basses are deep, warm, and growling, with that unmistakable Spanish darkness and strength. The fourth, fifth, and sixth strings are especially impressive, with a kind of macho authority and piano-like weight. The sixth string in particular has the kind of force that feels as though it could shake the room.

The trebles are thick, lyrical, and singing, but with a beautiful brilliance on top of the note. There is a special immediacy and sparkle here, the extra “sizzle” we always hope to find in a great Rodriguez. The first string can be shaped with the right hand from warm and rounded to bright and brilliant, and the notes seem to fly off the guitar. The second string sings beautifully, while the third has a strong, individual voice and real presence.

This is not just a powerful guitar. It is colorful, sensitive, expressive, and full of personality. It rewards changes of angle, touch, and intention in the right hand, and it gives the player a huge expressive palette. It is easy to understand why the Romeros so often chose these guitars and played them throughout their careers. They are simply exciting instruments to play.

Playability

Although this is a larger-format concert guitar, it is remarkably comfortable and rewarding to play. The scale length is 664mm, with a 54mm nut width, large frets, and a nice low action.

For many modern players, a longer scale length can sound intimidating, especially if they did not grow up playing guitars like Rodriguez or Ramirez. But this guitar challenges those assumptions. There is a beautiful recipe here between the neck shape, fretwork, setup, and most importantly, the sound itself. The guitar gives so much back to the player that the longer scale feels natural rather than limiting.

Players with very small hands may still want to approach a guitar of this size carefully, but for those with medium to larger hands, it is surprisingly easy to play. There is generous space between the strings and between the frets, which allows the left hand to stretch out and take up space. In the right hand, the guitar feels equally freeing, offering a huge range of colors and dynamics without needing to force the sound.

This is a serious concert instrument, but not a difficult or punishing one. It invites the player to dig in, explore, and express a wide range of musical ideas.

Aesthetics & Craftsmanship

Visually, this guitar is spectacular. The cedar top is in incredible condition overall, with only normal small marks visible when moved in the light. The colorful rose-pattern rosette is classic Rodriguez: bold, nostalgic, and unmistakably Spanish. It may be the sort of rosette people either love or hate, but for anyone who grew up watching videos of Pepe Romero and the Romero family, it has a special charm and familiarity.

The bridge is made from beautiful Brazilian rosewood, with a simple and elegant tie block motif. The headstock has the classic Miguel Rodriguez shape, with rounded edges around the slots and top. The original tuners are still present, adding to the guitar’s originality and character.

Of course, the most visually striking feature is the Brazilian rosewood “Churchdoor” back and sides. The dramatic bookmatched figure and light center strip give the guitar an unforgettable appearance. These are among the most visually iconic Rodriguez guitars, and this example captures that identity beautifully.

Condition

This guitar is in spectacular condition overall, especially considering its age. The cedar top presents beautifully, with only small marks visible in certain light.

There is one repaired top crack, which is near invisible and does not detract from the beauty, sound, or character of the instrument.

Overall, it remains a very special and beautifully preserved example of one of the most desirable Miguel Rodriguez models.

Specs

• Year: 1979
• Maker: Miguel Rodriguez
• Model: Churchdoor
• Top: Cedar
• Back & Sides: Brazilian rosewood
• Scale Length: 664mm
• Nut Width: 54mm
• Frets: Large frets
• Tuners: Original tuners
• Condition: One near-invisible repaired top crack
• Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF with a normal tension nylon first string
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Summary

A great Miguel Rodriguez “Churchdoor” is one of the most exciting Spanish guitars one can encounter. These instruments are beloved for their huge voice, warmth, projection, color, and unmistakable character, and this 1979 example has all of those qualities in abundance.

It is powerful without being rigid, sensitive without being delicate, and expressive across an enormous dynamic and tonal range. It can be bold, dark, and commanding, but also fragile, lyrical, and deeply beautiful. For us, this is exactly what makes the best Miguel Rodriguez guitars so unforgettable.

For anyone searching for a truly special Rodriguez, this is a rare and thrilling opportunity.

Worldwide shipping is available.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com

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