The Fine Art of Daniele Marrabello 2024 City Series Milano No. 70 REG 2024 Limited Edition
As someone with extensive experience playing various guitars, it truly takes a remarkable instrument to catch my eye. What I particularly value is a guitar that reflects the unique personality of its maker—it’s that personal touch that resonates with me the most. This particular guitar managed to impress me right from our first encounter. Having followed Daniele’s work for many years, I can confidently say that he has infused this guitar with his soul and artistry, creating a spectacular piece of art.
Visually, the guitar initially threw me for a loop—it flaunted a style unlike any of Daniele’s previous designs, which took me a moment to adapt to. However, as I spent more time with it, I began to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and the unmistakable signature touches, especially the distinctive headstock. This instrument is particularly special to Daniele, drawing heavily on the influences of his hometown, Milan, which adds another layer of depth to its story. For those interested in exploring the intricate details of this guitar’s design and backstory, you can find more information here.
In his latest endeavor, Daniele has ingeniously adjusted the air resonance of the guitar to F, enriching the bass tones with depth and darkness, yet maintaining a resonant foundation that enhances the overall sound palette. The richness of these bass notes is pivotal, especially when clarity is essential for articulating polyphonic compositions—which this guitar handles with ease. The trebles, in contrast, are crystal clear and vividly colorful, ringing with a bell-like quality that likely benefits from the use of Satinwood for the back and sides—a smart alternative to the increasingly rare Brazilian rosewood.
Playing J.S. Bach’s Bourrée from BWV 996 on this guitar showcases its phenomenal capabilities, particularly the ability to delineate independent bass lines crucial for polyphonic pieces. Moreover, the trebles are not only vibrant and easy to modulate but also exceptionally responsive. I anticipate that these qualities will only enhance as the guitar is played more, allowing it to “open up.” The sustain in the trebles, a challenging feat in guitars with lower air resonance, is impressively long-lasting and pure. The organic timbre of this instrument is genuinely special, offering a sonic experience that is as delightful to the ears as it is rare.
Additionally, Daniele’s choice of Satinwood for the back and sides of the guitar is nothing short of brilliant. This particular type of Satinwood is rare and demands considerable expertise to be handled correctly. Given that Daniele trained under the esteemed maestro Enrico Botelli, it’s clear he possesses a deep understanding of how to masterfully work with this material. Enrico himself has created several remarkable guitars using Satinwood, and Daniele’s work is a testament to the rich knowledge and skill he has inherited from his mentor.
I’m almost at a loss for words when it comes to this exquisite guitar. Daniele has truly taken a significant leap forward in his guitar-making career with this creation. I’m eagerly anticipating what he will craft next. This guitar transcends its role as a mere concert instrument; it stands as a true masterpiece of artistry. For a more detailed exploration of its virtues, you can listen to a review of this guitar here.
Written by: Jonathan Singgih Pranoto
