2017 Lorenzo Frignani SP/IN

A 2017 classical guitar by Modena luthier Lorenzo Frignani, with a bearclaw spruce top and figured Indian rosewood back and sides – No. 228, built on his own concert model.

Years of Acoustic Research

This model is the result of years of research into acoustics and into beautiful tone. Its top is braced with a blend of X-bracing in the manner of Martin and Stauffer and a Torres-style five-fan pattern, and Lorenzo tapers the upper edges of the bridge so the top is spared stress in the delicate areas where cracks tend to appear.

Mother-of-Pearl and Purfling Flourishes

As on his violins, the soundboard has been aged by a chemical treatment rather than stained, giving an antique look that still sparkles. The rosette is stunning in design and execution, small mother-of-pearl dots appear in the rosette, head and foot, and an oval of purfling curls across the back as it approaches the heel – details that merge into a distinct and stylish whole.

Singing Trebles, Bold Basses

Beautiful to look at and to hear: the tone is silky and rich in every register, made for expressive playing.

Read more: Orfeo Magazine No. 6 – Tacchi, Frignani and Locatto (with a feature on Lorenzo Frignani)

Lorenzo Frignani: Luthier, Scholar and Collector in Modena

Lorenzo Frignani is an Italian luthier who works in Modena. Independent since 1986, he builds guitars, lutes and violins, and alongside his own concert models he makes replicas of historic guitars from his own collection – above all a 1910 Manuel Ramírez – finished with the aged, "distressed" look that is common practice in the violin world. His guitars and lutes have won awards in Italy and abroad, and in July 2011 the town of Fiuggi named him "luthier of the year".

Teacher, Author and Expert

Lorenzo has served on international competition juries, taught violin making and taken private apprentices. He has written and published widely on the history of plucked instruments, founded the publishing house LF Edizioni in 2007, and is a technical advisor on musical instruments to the court in Modena. In 2024 his son Eugenio joined the workshop, and together they launched Liuteria Frignani. Lorenzo was featured with Andrea Tacchi and Luigi Locatto in Orfeo Magazine No. 6.