2019 Ennio Giovanetti SP/CSAR

This 2019 Ennio Giovanetti "Special" (as Ennio wrote by hand on the label) is a classical guitar of spruce and CSA rosewood, made in his workshop in Sariano di Gropparello, Italy.

Ennio Giovanetti's Inlay Work

Ennio picked his best materials for this one and lavished an intricate amount of inlay work on it, with impressive arrays of block and wave patterns running through the rosette, tie block, purfling, back seam and heel block, and through the head veneer – which is also carved as it tapers at the bottom. Stunning, and perfectly executed.

A Big Sound and Easy Action

Its voice matches its looks: bold, sturdy basses and rich, thick trebles, with plenty of power. To make it play as easily as possible, Ennio uses a clever trick at the bridge – circular divots cut into its base, where the strings leave the tie block, steepen the angle over the saddle, so the action can come down without any loss of the torque that drives the tone.

A meticulously well thought-out instrument, with a big, impressive and beautiful sound to match its striking appearance.

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.