Classical Guitar Antonio G. Monzino 1890's / 1910's

The House of Monzino, founded by Antonio Monzino I (1730-1800) around 1750 in Milan. The company is renowned for its important role in the creation of guitars, mandolins and violins, among others. It was from this period that a dynamic commercial activity emerged, enriched by the mastery of Antonio I's son, Giacomo Antonio Monzino II (1772-1854).

Giacomo Antonio, in addition to mastering the art of the violin and guitar, distinguished himself as an innovative composer and creator. His fruitful collaborations with the musicians of his time gave rise to instruments of distinctive aesthetics and excellent sound quality. His bold vision also led him to become an eminent music publisher, marking the crossroads between lutherie and music distribution.

It was then Antonio Giacomo Monzino IV (1874-1929) who strengthened the family tradition by introducing avant-garde manufacturing techniques, including the use of new woodworking machinery and the creation of spun strings. Collaborating with the best Italian artists of the time, he preserved the quality of lutherie while integrating innovative elements. His influence also gave rise to the "circle of mandolinists", testifying to his dedication to expanding musical horizons.

The Monzino family legacy was successfully carried on by Antonio Carlo Monzino VI (1909-), who responded to the demands of his time by diversifying the craft. This expansion saw the even wider integration of a variety of Italian and foreign instruments into their offering. In this way, Maison Monzino also became even more firmly established as a distributor. This visionary approach has opened up new perspectives, while remaining true to the very essence of Monzino lutherie.

The guitar offered for sale here dates from the late 19th/early 20th century, certainly sold during the period of Antonio Giacomo Monzino IV after models by Gaetano Guadagnini.

You can feel that the guitar was made to sound, with a very refined aesthetic to let the wood vibrate and resonate as much as possible.

In addition, this guitar has the particularity of having a very ample body that offers a very interesting depth of sound coupled with a delicate and dynamic projection.

Technical specifications:

• Top: Spruce
• Back: Walnut
• Sides: Walnut
• Neck: Walnut
• Fingerboard : Rosewood
• Saddle width: 42.5 mm
• Radius : Flat
• Frets: 17 frets
• Fork: 640 mm
• Profile: V
• Country of manufacture: Italy
• Year: late 19th century
• Finish: Natural (very fine patina)
• Decorations : White mother-of-pearl fingerboard markers / Rosewood rosette in maple-palissander purfling
• Details : Traces of wear and normal restoration for its age / Supplied in case

Like all our instruments, this guitar has been entirely restored with care and is in very good condition for over one hundred years of existence.

Fully tuned and playable, it is also pleasantly comfortable to play.

With an ample sound, interesting depth coupled with delicate projection, and dynamic with beautiful harmonics, this very interesting guitar will appeal perfectly to guitarists.