2020 Valerio Licari "Classical Zen" SP/IN

Inspired by Stradivarius violin making and the Italian style of artisanship, Valerio Licari employs both the use of mathematical, geometric proportions and a simple and minimal design aesthetic for this model. One of the more notable features is the double soundhole system fitted in the upper reaches of the upper bout. The theory behind this design is that the positioning of the soundhole(s) as far as away from the bridge area leaves a larger vibrating surface of soundboard area – indeed in the 1920s, Francisco Simplicio made use of this design, as have several contemporary makers for precisely the same reasons. See this article for a photo of Simplicio’s 1929 example, as well as what looks like a black and white X-ray rendering (called an interferometric holographic analysis), which demonstrates how vibration does not reach the upper bout area of the soundboard. This guitar sounds excellent either plugged in or even played acoustically, in either case they have a balanced sound and rich sustain. Licari builds these with a Piezo undersaddle pickup and contact mic, and the pickup system plugs into a Phantasma EQ controller by Acus Sound Engineering. Overall, this is perfect for the gigging musician needing amplification who seeks a natural nylon sound with no feedback.