This beautiful Mozzani Harp guitar is in stunning condition. Restored by the legendary Jose Oribe in 1965 (confirmed by Jose himself), this instrument has a beautiful tone with an amazing look and feel. We are affectionately calling the case a "Pirate" case as it harkens back to the days of oceanic travel.
Luigi Mozzani was born on March 9, 1869 into a family of very modest means. As typical of his class, Luigi was forced to follow his father into the shoemaking business. He abandoned this activity after nine years, gaining work as a barber. He learned to play clarinet and bugle, playing in a band, but quickly abandoned it for health reasons. When he was lent an old guitar, he repaired it and thus began his study of lutherie.
Towards the end of the century, after a successful concert tour of Europe, he went to Paris to study guitar construction. He settled in Bologna, where he continued his work as a luthier in collaboration with two Neapolitan mandolin builders. It was in 1909 that Mozzani, on a trip to Vienna, came into contact with the harp guitars of Schenck. He immediately appropriated these new designs into his work, both as a luthier and performer, always experimenting to create the ideal guitar. Still in demand as a concert artist, Mozzani alternated between performance tours and his role as director of the “laboratory” (lutherie workshop), letting others handle the actual construction. The success of the shop enabled Mozzani and team to move to larger quarters in Cento. Between 1915 and 1924, they concentrated on a full range of instruments for Plectrum Orchestra (counterpart to America's Mandolin Orchestras). In 1929, the Mozzani laboratory-school was granted official status, with famed violinmaker Claudio Gamberini put in charge of plucked instruments. Just four years later, the school was closed for “political reasons,” and Mozzani again set up a private workshop, in collaboration with Gamberini and Rino Federici. They continued to have success with their instruments, particularly after Andreas Segovia himself chose a Mozzani guitar (standard 6-string).
After Mozzani’s death on August 12, 1943, the workshop continued under Federici’s direction until 1947, when it closed for good, the inventory being sold.
This item is part of the Glen Quan Private Collection.
Glen Quan, a legend in the Bay Area music scene and an integral part of its development in the early 60’s-80’s, was a player, collector and innovator for his entire life. Glen passed away in 2018, and we are proud to bring Glen and his estate home to Bananas at Large.
*** This is a professionally used and artist-owned vintage item and is not being claimed as 100% all original.
All Sales Final - No Returns or Refunds. Item sold as is. Please message us for more details about this guitar.
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Listed | 5 years ago |
Condition | Good (Used) Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more |
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