2020 Daniele Marrabello "A Nina" SP/IN

A 2020 classical guitar by Daniele Marrabello, with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides – No. 140, dedicated to his newborn daughter, Nina.

In the video above, Tengyue "TY" Zhang plays No. 18 of Castelnuovo-Tedesco's "24 Caprichos de Goya" on six guitars, this one among them.

A Guitar for Nina

Each instrument Daniele builds is personally meaningful to him: in his craft he captures moments in his life – joys, worries and other emotional experiences – from the time he is building. This guitar reflects the birth of his daughter, Nina, an event that brought him so much joy and a sense of a new beginning. The label carries the dedication "a Nina" (to Nina) with a watercolor drawing of a red poppy, a symbol of hope and a peaceful future and a meaningful symbol in Daniele's family. He built it during the dramatic period of the Italian lockdown, while waiting for Nina's arrival.

Sound and Condition

Inspired by Hauser I, Torres, Esteso and García, it has clarity, balance and a wide palette of colors, with a clearly anchored fundamental in every note. Although pre-owned, it is in excellent condition with only minor wear in the finish.

Photos of this guitar taken during construction

Daniele Marrabello: A Young Talent from Milan

Daniele Marrabello is one of the great younger talents of Italian guitar making. He was born in Milan and studied there at the Civic School of Luthiery, spending his final year as an apprentice in the Voghera workshop of Enrico Bottelli. In 2012 he opened his own workshop in Vimodrone, just outside Milan.

Hauser and the Spanish Masters

Daniele's inspiration comes primarily from Hermann Hauser I and the Spanish masters Antonio de Torres, Domingo Esteso and Enrique García. His approach is both scientific and instinctive: he measures the specific weight and flexibility of every piece of wood, then lets his musical sensitivity guide the work. He pays particular attention to beautiful details and exceptional materials.