Ennio Giovanetti is an Italian classical guitar maker who trained in violin making in Milan and has built concert guitars professionally since 1998 in his workshop in Sariano di Gropparello, near Piacenza. His primary role models are Antonio de Torres, Hermann Hauser, Enrique García and Francisco Simplicio.
Ennio Giovanetti at a Glance
- Workshop: Sariano di Gropparello, near Piacenza, Italy
- Training: violin making in Milan
- Building guitars professionally since 1998
- Role models: Torres, Hauser, García and Simplicio
- Label: "Ennio Giovanetti – Liutaio – Costruita in Sariano"
From Violin Making to the Guitar
Ennio studied violin making in Milan but eventually turned his attention to the construction of concert classical guitars, after discovering the special, subtle qualities of timbre and expression unique to the guitar. He set out on a journey to discover the secrets of the craft through the work of Torres, Hauser, García and Simplicio, and he also learned to incorporate the work of the great violin makers, past and present, in an attempt to build the most "musical" instrument possible.
A Workshop near Piacenza
Ennio has been building professionally since 1998, and works in his workshop in Sariano di Gropparello, near Piacenza in northern Italy. His guitars are known for their intricate inlay work – block and wave patterns running through the rosette, tie block, head veneer, purfling, back seam and heel block – and for a clever bridge design, with circular divots cut into the base of the bridge where the strings exit the tie block, which allows a low action without losing the torque needed for good tone.
Torres, Fleta and Giovanetti
For his 2020 "1936 Fleta" Ennio took as his starting point the 1936 guitar by Ignacio Fleta – built while Fleta was restoring Tárrega's Torres "FE 17" – adopting its carved head, purflings and rosette on his own full-size design. The guitar was intended for the 2020 Roma Expo Guitars (REG), which had to be canceled (read the story).
Ennio Giovanetti Guitars at GSI
Although we had been friends with Ennio for many years, the first guitar he built for us came in 2017, and several more followed. You'll find earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the "Guitars In Museum" button in the header of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Ennio Giovanetti build his guitars?
In his workshop in Sariano di Gropparello, near Piacenza, Italy.
How did Ennio Giovanetti learn guitar making?
He trained in violin making in Milan, then studied the guitar through the work of Torres, Hauser, García and Simplicio. He has built guitars professionally since 1998.
What is special about his guitars?
Intricate inlay work and a carefully thought-out bridge that allows a low action, with a big, bold sound – sturdy basses and rich, thick trebles.
