Stefano Moccetti is a Swiss-Italian classical guitar maker in Biogno, in the Italian-speaking south of Switzerland, who has built guitars since 1982. One of the first students of José Luis Romanillos, he is known for his copies of Julian Bream's 1973 Romanillos.
At a Glance
- Workshop: Biogno, Switzerland
- Building since: 1982
- Teacher: José Luis Romanillos (course in Zurich, 1984; private study in his workshop, 1985)
- Known for: Romanillos-style guitars, including copies of Julian Bream's 1973 Romanillos
- Players: Andrea Dieci, Massimo Laura
A Guitarist Who Became a Luthier
A Swiss-Italian, Stefano Moccetti has been building guitars since 1982. His passion for the luthier's craft was born after many years of studying the classical guitar and from his love of music in general.
In 1984 he met José Luis Romanillos at a lutherie course in Zurich, and a year later he had the opportunity to study privately in the Romanillos workshop, learning directly from the maestro. Moccetti considers having frequented Romanillos and profited from his teachings among the most important experiences of his professional life: being near one of the greatest guitar makers gave him an inestimable amount of knowledge and valuable solutions for building guitars of the highest quality.
A Natural, Woody Sound
Thanks to the early influence of Romanillos, Moccetti's guitars have a natural, woody sound with the sweetness and delicacy typical of a Romanillos. The development of his own style has earned him top prizes in guitar-making competitions in Europe, and his guitars are played by Andrea Dieci, Massimo Laura and many young European concert artists. He has also built exact copies of the 1973 Romanillos played by Julian Bream.
His guitars are entirely handmade using traditional methods that he has developed over years of examining and restoring fine older instruments by the great luthiers of the past. To give his woods the right brilliance and "depth", he finishes them with flake shellac French polish. He chooses his materials for their aesthetic as well as their acoustic qualities, and for his tops he cuts raw boards from red spruce nearly 300 years old, grown in the Swiss Alps.
Stefano Moccetti Guitars at GSI
Stefano Moccetti guitars have passed through our doors since the early 2000s. 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 Stefano Moccetti?
A Swiss-Italian classical guitar maker in Biogno, Switzerland, building since 1982 and one of the first students of José Luis Romanillos.
What kind of sound do Moccetti guitars have?
A natural, woody sound with the sweetness and delicacy of a Romanillos.
