When I met Julian Bream in 1975, I was also introduced to his wonderful 1973 José Romanillos guitar which sported one of the first sets of Rodgers tuners ever made. I immediately recognized their superior quality and elegant aesthetic — they looked to me more like exceptionally beautiful and functional jewelry than tuning machines. David Rodgers had just established a new standard of quality in tuning machines, which remains unsurpassed today. He recognized that a set of tuners must not only perform well, but was also integral to the guitar’s aesthetic, and should complement it.

In 2010, my partner, Cyndy Burton, and I spent three days as guests of David and his wife, Muriel, in their home/workshop near Kirby Muxloe, England. David and Muriel were most welcoming and gracious hosts, and during that time Cyndy and I interviewed them for an in-depth “Meet the Maker” article, which appeared in AL#109, Spring 2012. While there we also met their likewise very talented son, Rob, and his wife, Sue, who soon afterward immigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada, where they continue the family business today.

Rodgers tuners have graced the heads of our guitars ever since I saw that first set on Bream’s Romanillos, and we became friends with David and Muriel early on. Since our 2010 visit, Rob and Sue have joined our circle, but, sadly, Muriel passed away in 2020.

David was a true gentleman, and a brilliant, talented engineer/inventor with a ready sense of humor, and we will miss him dearly. ◆