Paolo Coriani is an Italian classical guitar maker in Modena, trained at the Masetti workshop (1975–1980). Rooted in the 19th-century Spanish tradition of Antonio de Torres and shaped by a 1993 course with José Luis Romanillos, he is known for his Manuel Ramírez, Hauser and Torres models, and won first prize and the "Baveno" award in Baveno in 1993.
At a Glance
- Nationality: Italian
- Workshop: Modena, Italy
- Training: apprenticeship at the Masetti workshop, Modena (1975–1980); Romanillos course (1993)
- Influences: Cristian Aubin and his 1867 Torres; Daniel Friederich; Richard Schneider and Michael Kasha
- Models: Manuel Ramírez (from 2002), Hermann Hauser I, Torres "La Suprema" FE19 with tornavoz
- Prizes: 3rd Prize, Bagnacavallo Young Luthiers (1984, hurdy-gurdy); 1st Prize, Bagnacavallo National Competition (1986); 1st Prize and "Baveno" award, 1st International Classical Guitar Making Competition, Baveno (1993)
From Masetti to Torres
Italian luthier Paolo Coriani's career began with an apprenticeship at the Masetti workshop in Modena, from 1975 to 1980. In the first years after setting out on his own, Coriani spent a good deal of time researching, performing on and building hurdy-gurdies, as well as classical guitars largely influenced by Kohno and José Ramírez designs. He began making frequent trips to France after meeting and befriending Cristian Aubin, a concert guitarist and guitar maker who specialized in copies of his 1867 Torres (interestingly, Aubin was also the guitar teacher of Daniel Friederich). Coming into contact with such a monumental instrument was a pivotal moment of discovery for Coriani – the incredible depth of sonority he encountered sparked his interest in late 19th-century Spanish instruments, the basis for a lifetime of research.
Tradition and Science
With one foot firmly planted in the traditional Spanish school based on Torres, Coriani in the mid to late 1980s also explored more modern styles, including the innovative work of Daniel Friederich in France and of Richard Schneider (in partnership with Dr. Michael Kasha) in the USA. Discovering these makers drew Paolo to a more scientific approach, using theories of the mechanics of vibration and unconventional materials in the construction process.
In 1993 he attended a course held by José Luis Romanillos on traditional Spanish classical guitar-making techniques, and his interest shifted once again towards traditional Spanish methods – while keeping a slightly more "scientific" approach gleaned from modern methods. From then on, his basic philosophy and building style have been a continual synthesis of these two powerful methods, although in the end his guitars have remained very traditional in materials and style of build.
Manuel Ramírez, Hauser and Torres Models
In 2002 Paolo built his first copy of an 1890 Manuel Ramírez guitar. Since then he has studied other instruments, including those of Hermann Hauser I and Antonio de Torres. He also builds a Torres model based on an 1864 instrument (FE19, also known as "La Suprema"), which features a tornavoz.
Prizes, Teaching and Juries
Paolo has won numerous awards, including 3rd prize at the Bagnacavallo Young Luthiers Competition in 1984 for a hurdy-gurdy, 1st prize for a classical guitar at the Bagnacavallo National Competition in 1986, and 1st prize and the "Baveno" award at the 1st International Classical Guitar Making Competition in Baveno in 1993. Since 1986 he has regularly been invited to lecture at specialized schools and classical guitar seminars on guitar-making techniques and historical instruments. He has also served on guitar competition juries and taken on apprentices – so in addition to his work as a guitar maker, he is a very active participant in the larger guitar community.
Orfeo Magazine #13 – Lodi, Bottelli, Coriani, Peruffo
Paolo Coriani is one of four Italian makers featured in this issue.
Paolo Coriani Guitars at GSI
Many Paolo Coriani guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You'll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the "Guitars In Stock" button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the "Guitars In Museum" button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paolo Coriani?
An Italian classical guitar maker in Modena, trained at the Masetti workshop, known for his Manuel Ramírez, Hauser and Torres models.
What prizes has Paolo Coriani won?
Among others, 1st prize and the "Baveno" award at the 1st International Classical Guitar Making Competition in Baveno (1993).
What is his "Manuel Ramirez" model?
A guitar in the style of the Manuel Ramírez workshop, based on Paolo's drawings and measurements of 17 original Ramírez guitars.
