Mirko Borghino Miraggio 7

Craig's POV: I always have my ear to the ground for any guitar buzz concerning talented builders who might not be currently on my radar. Sometimes I discover fine talent at guitar shows. Other times it might be from established luthiers, players, or clients.

Being as picky as I am, it can be a bit frustrating because while there is some extraordinary wood working and inlay talent out there in the luthier world, there are relatively few builders who can put it all together in a complete thought. A guitar that is exquisitely built, sonically inspiring and a joy to play. For me, joy is the key word. What do I mean: The joy you feel playing a guitar that lights you up, inspires some tunes; a guitar that you can’t wait to get home to; a guitar that just makes your day a little better. I'd like to share some information with you about one of the builders I've recently discovered who have "it" - the skills and talent to delight any player with discerning taste.

Mirko Borghino is a name you should know. Before I tell you about this instrument, let me add that he makes guitars for John McLaughlin.

Yes, that John McLaughlin.

John McLaughlin chose Italian builder Mirko Borghino to reimagine his Shakti guitar, a guitar built decades ago by the famed builder Abe Wechter. Big shoes to fill I'm sure, but from what I have discovered, Borghino is more than able to live up to the task.

I currently have Mirko’s Miraggio 7 model in the shop and all I can say is that I am deeply impressed by his 7 string archtop. The craftsmanship is absolutely impeccable with a beautiful modern esthetic that even appeals to the traditionalist in me. This is the kind of build that is an invitation for the 6 string player who is curious about crossing over to the 7 string world. It is that good, it is that comfortable and that inspiring. Borghino’s wood selection is spectacular - I love the bear claw Italian spruce top- and the neck profile has a wonderfully elegant feel, it reminds me very much of James D’Aquisto carve and feel.

The custom 7 string pickup is a great fit, allowing the complete range of this instrument to speak.
From the low A to the highest frets the amplified tones ring true. Mirko really thought the build out. This is a true 7 string, not merely a 6 string with an added low string for convenience.

Bottom line, this is an absolutely first rate archtop that is built for an established 7 string player or the 6 string player who has that itch for the extra bass string. It is a great guitar built by one of the most talented young builders out there. Mirko Borghino has John McLaughlin’s ear. I think he should have yours as well.

About Mirko Borghino Guitars: Mirko Borghino graduated with honors in 2000 from Civica Scuola di Liuteria in Milan. For his final dissertation, Mirko worked on the restoration of a Gibson L-5 belonging to Franco Cerri, for whom in 2015, he created a Gibson Signature. Mirko splits his time between teaching lutherie and hand-crafting custom instruments in his studio in Desenzano del Garda (Italy). "I believe that a high quality instrument must be designed and assembled just like a tailor made suit. Instruments must be customised not only to help musicians express themselves at their best but also to perfectly reflect them from an acoustic and aesthetic point of view. My wish is that the instruments I make are not only a means to turn ideas into music; I want them to be a source of inspiration for music itself" says Mirko.

Whether talking about acoustic, classic, electric or archtop guitars, the important thing to Mirko is that they blend his exquisite Italian style with the dreams of ambitious musicians and refined collectors. "I've never wanted to set limits on my creativity by identifying myself with a category or a model. I've always tried to create instruments that convey emotions and move me" says Mirko. John McLaughlin, Franco Cerri, Francesco Buzzurro, Maurizio Brunod and Simone Guiducci are just some of the guitar players who chose Mirko's hand-crafted custom instruments.

Back and sides: Solid European Maple
Top: Italian Bearclaw Spruce
Neck: 3 pieces of European Maple
Body Bindings: Ziricote
Peghead Bindings: Ziricote
Fingerboard Bindings: Ziricote
Soundhole Bindings: Ziricote
Bridge, Tailpiece, Pickguard and Pickup ring: Makassar Ebony
Nut: Bone
Tuners: Shaller M6 180 Gold with Ziricote button
Pick up: I-Spira Replica Vintage 7 strings
Fingerboard Radius: 12”
Frets: 22
Lower Bout Width: 16.9”
Nut: 52 mm
Scale Length: 25.5”
Case: Hiscox