2024 Marco Bortolozzo SP/ZR

This 2024 Marco Bortolozzo is a classical guitar of torrefied spruce and ziricote made in Milan, Italy, on the plans of the 1937 Hermann Hauser I played by Andrés Segovia.

A Torrefied Top, Tuned by Ear and by Software

Yet another artistic masterpiece from this fine maker. Starting from the plans of Segovia's iconic 1937 Hauser, Marco used a thick "torrefied" spruce top (hence the darker color) and thicknessed it with a variable pattern, while lowering the pitch of the guitar through adjustments to the structure and overall weight. A low-depth tornavoz completes the design. The thicker soundboard gives the trebles great clarity while keeping good sustain, and the lowered resonance (around E) gives the guitar deep basses. Every adjustment and measurement was made with the help of a microphone and special software to monitor the frequencies, and a hidden adjustable titanium rod inside the neck adds stability.

Interlocking Circles and a Nod to Reynoso

Marco's individual style shows throughout, with a rosette of interlocking circles inspired by one of the more spectacular rosettes of Vicente Arias – meticulously executed. The hard, "modern" edges and angles of the inlays and headstock reflect his training in industrial design, blended with traditional elements inspired by the architecture of Milan, and the heel-cap inlay is a "tip of the hat" to his good friend Richard Reynoso.

Sound and Playability

The lightweight, efficient build gives a powerful, explosive sound – deep, resonant basses and singing, voice-like trebles – with an immediate response and quick attack that make it incredibly easy to play, especially for the right hand. Every note has a solid firmness that reminds us of the lighter guitars of Hauser I and II. The top is nuanced for sustain and controlled overtones, giving a wide palette of colors and dynamics, and Marco's very thin double sides add power and sustain, a stronger bottom end and extra brilliance in the trebles. It plays very comfortably with both hands thanks to the smooth neck shape and easy action – delightful to play and to hear.

Photos of this guitar taken during construction

From Industrial Design to Lutherie

Marco Bortolozzo was born on April 5, 1983, in San Vito al Tagliamento, in the province of Pordenone in northeastern Italy, in the midst of vineyards, vegetable gardens and dismantled engines, and learned early in life from his father how to hold every type of tool in his hand. He played guitar and electric bass as a teenager – his first instrument was a bass he built himself – and later studied industrial design at university, where he learned about materials, production processes and design.

Inspired by Torres

Towards the end of his studies, Marco picked a luthier at random from the yellow pages and met Dario Pontiggia, who shared the story of Antonio de Torres. After an hour of conversation, Marco knew that being a luthier was what he wanted to do in life. He has been a professional guitar maker since 2010, and his guitars are easy to play, with correct intonation, deep basses, brilliant high frequencies and broad dynamic capabilities.

From Milan to Portogruaro

For many years Marco built his guitars in Milan, one of the great design capitals of the world, whose architecture still shapes much of his aesthetic. In 2026 he began moving his workshop to Portogruaro, near Venice – not far from the town where he was born. GSI represents Marco Bortolozzo in the USA.