About the luthier

Karl-Heinz Römmich, born in 1953, has been building guitars for more than four decades and is regarded as one of the significant German masters working in the Spanish tradition. His instruments are entirely hand built and finished with French polish, using woods that he has dried and selected over many years. Many renowned concert artists have played his guitars, attracted by their depth of tone, wide expressive range and refined craftsmanship. Römmich’s instruments are known for their lyricism, their rich colours and their ability to project with clarity while maintaining a poetic warmth.

Although rooted in the traditional Spanish method, Römmich’s approach is shaped by a meticulous eye for detail and a sensitivity to the acoustic behaviour of each piece of wood. He builds in limited numbers, allowing each instrument to mature naturally during construction. The result is a body of work appreciated by musicians who value both tonal depth and disciplined craftsmanship.

About the guitar

This 2019 guitar represents Römmich at a very high level of refinement. The spruce soundboard is paired with Brazilian rosewood for the back and sides, the latter certified and chosen for its beauty and acoustic strength. The entire instrument is finished in French polish. Römmich’s ornamentation remains restrained and elegant, with clean purfling and a rosette that reflects the classical aesthetic associated with his work. Fustero tuners complete the instrument with a traditional and dignified touch.

The sound is characteristic of Römmich’s finest work. The tone is elastic and responsive, allowing the player to create a wide range of colours without exaggerated right-hand movement. The instrument projects deeply, with strong and steady basses that anchor the sound and lyrical trebles that sing effortlessly. The balance across the registers is exceptional, so contrapuntal lines remain clear and harmonically connected. The guitar possesses a depth that encourages expressive phrasing and has the capacity to fill a hall while preserving intimacy and refinement. The air body resonance lies between F sharp and G, which contributes to a sense of warmth and quiet gravitational presence beneath the main voice. The doubled sides add stability and help the instrument maintain clarity even at strong dynamic levels.

Overall, this Römmich offers a rich and complex voice with an inviting dynamic range, a broad palette of colours and an effortless projection that suits both recital and ensemble work. It is an instrument for players who seek a mature, expressive and deeply traditional guitar built with precision and artistry.

Condition

The guitar is in excellent condition. There are no cracks and no structural repairs. The French polish on both soundboard and body shows slight and natural signs of use, including small dents and light scratches consistent with careful playing. Structurally the instrument is stable and the Fustero tuners function smoothly and reliably.

Karl-Heinz Römmich

Karl-Heinz Römmich - 2019