2017 Ennio Giovanetti SP/CSAR

Italian luthier Ennio Giovanetti 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 that is unique to the guitar. He set out on a journey to discover the secrets of the craft through the work of Torres, Hauser, Garcia and Simplicio as his primary role models. He also learned to incorporate the work of the great violin makers from the ages past to the present in an attempt to build the most "musical" instrument possible. He has been building professionally since 1998 and currently works out of his workshop in Sariano di Gropparello which is near Piacenza.

Although we have been friends with Ennio for many years, this is the first guitar he built for us back in 2017, and he really went out of his way to make a classy, tasteful, and simply beautiful instrument for us. Using his best materials and an intricate amount of inlay work - there are impressive arrays of block and wave patterns weaving their way throughout the rosette, tie block, head veneer, purfling, back seam and heel block. Absolutely stunning, and perfectly executed. Sound of the guitar is as strong as its appearance - the sturdy, bold basses are matched by the rich and thick trebles. The guitar has plenty of power and is set up for incredibly easy playability - in fact, he has employed a very clever technique in the bridge to maximize break angle from the tie block to the top of the saddle by cutting circular divots into the base of the bridge where the string exits the tie block. This allows plenty of room to lower the action without losing the necessary torque to produce good tone. Overall a meticulously well thought-out instrument, with a big, impressive and beautiful sound matched by its striking appearance. Although used, it is in excellent condition with only one hairline crack in the top that developed from dryness, which has been factored into the pricing. It has been re-humidified and conservatively repaired recently by GV Rubio here in Los Angeles. It is in otherwise concert-ready condition and sounds fantastic!