Donatella Salvato – 2024 Gran Concierto Hommage á Daniel Friederich No. 53 REG 2024 Limited Edition 64 cm
The exquisite craftsmanship of Donatella’s guitar captivated me from the moment I held it at the Roma Expo Guitars 2024. The instrument’s allure was undeniable, with every detail meticulously fashioned, from the harmoniously matched rosette to the elegant purflings—each element a testament to the artistry involved. The beauty of this guitar isn’t just in its appearance but in the refined elegance it exudes.
Playing Donatella’s guitar was an acoustically delightful experience, evoking memories of Alvaro Pierri’s iconic recordings with his Daniel Friederich guitar in the 1970s. The sound signature of this instrument, unmistakably marked by Donatella’s touch, brings a complex and captivating auditory journey. The trebles sing with a velvety roundness, yet dazzle with brilliance, while the sustain on the first string maintains a consistent clarity, remarkably free of any wolf notes—a true feat of craftsmanship. This guitar resonates with an openness that enriches the playing experience immensely. When tackling the intricate Fugue from BWV 998 by J.S. Bach, the guitar’s capacity to articulate complex voicing shone brilliantly, particularly in the middle voice, avoiding the muddiness often encountered on other instruments. This guitar not only meets the expectations of discerning musicians—it surpasses them, making each performance a profound pleasure.
Donatella’s guitar truly comes into its own when performing pieces that feature melodies on the first string, such as Francisco Tárrega’s Capricho Árabe. The instrument’s responsiveness to left-hand vibrato is impressive, capturing both technical precision and artistic expression in every note. The comfort of the guitar is another highlight, with its 64 cm scale and 50.5 mm nut width, which allows for effortless navigation of fast passages without any strain on the left hand. This ease of play is a signature of Donatella’s craftsmanship, reflecting her deep understanding of what players need in an instrument. Indeed, it’s no wonder that virtuosos like Aniello Desidero choose Donatella’s guitars; they epitomize the perfect blend of comfort, beauty, and outstanding musical performance.
The volumetric capacity of this guitar is truly remarkable, ensuring that it can more than meet the demands of any concert setting. The thoughtful double-sided construction not only enhances the guitar’s structural integrity but also significantly boosts its projection. This design choice ensures that every strum and pluck resonates with clarity and power, filling any space with its rich, enchanting sound. This guitar isn’t just an instrument; it’s a gem—a masterful blend of aesthetic appeal, robust build, and exceptional sound quality that stands out in any performance.
For more technical details of the guitar and the demonstration video by Jouyan Tarzaban, click HERE.
Written by: Jonathan Singgih Pranoto
