2017 Ennio Giovanetti SP/CSAR

This 2017 Ennio Giovanetti classical guitar, with a spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides, was built in Sariano di Gropparello, Italy – and it is the very first guitar Ennio made for GSI.

Ennio Giovanetti's First Guitar for GSI

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 and a Clever Bridge Design

The sound of the guitar is as strong as its appearance – the sturdy, bold basses are matched by rich and thick trebles. The guitar has plenty of power and is set up for incredibly easy playability. In fact, Ennio employed a very clever technique in the bridge to maximize the break angle from the tie block to the top of the saddle, cutting circular divots into the base of the bridge where the strings exit the tie block. This allows plenty of room to lower the action without losing the torque needed to produce good tone. Overall a meticulously well thought-out instrument, with a big, impressive and beautiful sound matched by its striking appearance.

Condition

Although used, it is in excellent condition, with only one hairline crack in the top that developed from dryness. It was re-humidified and conservatively repaired by GV Rubio here in Los Angeles, and is otherwise in concert-ready condition – it sounds fantastic!

Photos of this guitar taken just after completion

Ennio Giovanetti: From Violin Making to the Guitar

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 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 as his primary role models. 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

He has been building professionally since 1998 and works in his workshop in Sariano di Gropparello, near Piacenza.