The Rafael Roman guitars /taller Paulino Bernabe (formerly Bernabe modelo 40/50 etc) are excellent guitars especially considering the price. This guitar quickly found a new home, one can be custom made for you. Also visit my sister site www.soundboardguitars.com for other Rafael Roman models. Please contact me with any questions.

Paulino hand builds the widely admired Especial/Classico/Imperial/Royal guitars in his private shop as he has always done. In years past, he employed several highly skilled luthiers to produce guitars in another shop under his direction and using his designs and well aged woods. These were at one time referred to as the Paulino Bernabe Model 40, 50 etc.. Recently however he elected to rename these excellent guitars "Rafael Roman, taller de Paulino Bernabe". These guitars are built by skilled builders, hand picked by Paulino and held to his high standards. He provides his incredible supply of old well aged woods, and for this guitar, the Rafael Roman Modelo #1, the best guitar built under the Rafael Roman name, he uses the same woods that he otherwise reserves for the Especial guitars that Paulino himself builds in his private shop. Thus the top is well aged Spruce, more than 25 years old!! With many luthiers using woods aged 5-7 years, wood of this quality is very hard to obtain and is only possible due to the long affiliation of the Bernabe family with the guitar world. He designed the Modelo #1 using the same effective modified fan bracing system that he uses when he builds an Especial, the main difference being the Especial has doubled sides while the Modelo #1 utilizes single sides. He upgrades the tuners to Rubner's as well, and the entire guitar is flawlessly French Polished. Thus this represents an excellent alternative to the player who has always dreamed of owning a Bernabe Especial. Paulino's hope is that this will allow players to afford an Especial-like instrument with many of the same attributes as their famous sister. This is like playing a Bernabe, not surprisingly, robust volume, flawless craftsmanship, superb well aged woods, gorgeous well balanced tone, and all at a very affordable price for an instrument of this quality. Thanks to Paulino for his "Rafael Roman' guitars!