Donatella Salvato

Donatella Salvato is an Italian luthier rooted in a long family tradition of wood carving and inlay work. With a background in graphic arts, cello studies, and 25 years of cabinet making, she brings exceptional precision and artistic refinement to her guitars. Inspired by historical masters yet guided by modern tonal demands, she develops her own designs through careful study, experimentation, and scientific testing. Using only top-quality, naturally seasoned woods, vacuum-glued soundboards, handmade rosettes and bandings, and pure French polish, she builds instruments known for beauty of tone, long sustain, sensitivity, and outstanding playing comfort. In 2021, she received both a gold and a silver medal at the XII International Luthiery Competition in Pisogne.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars

How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?

Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.

What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?

Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.

Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?

Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?

Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.

What payment methods and financing options do you offer?

We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.

How do I properly care for my classical guitar?

A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.

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About the Luthier

Donatella Salvato comes from a family of skilled wood carvers and inlayers. She holds a diploma in Graphic Arts and studied cello at the Conservatory of Padua. For 25 years, she worked as a cabinet maker, allowing her to develop extensive expertise in all aspects of woodworking.

She draws inspiration from the great luthiers of the past, reinterpreting their designs according to her own intuition and today’s tonal requirements. Through studying and comparing various construction methods, she has developed her own guitar models.

Working entirely in her own workshop, she constructs each instrument by hand, thoroughly testing every component — including with scientific measuring tools. She uses only top-quality, naturally seasoned tonewoods and applies a “vacuum-gluing” system for the soundboard to minimize stress.

Salvato crafts her own rosettes and purflings and finishes all instruments exclusively with French polish. She places particular emphasis on beauty of sound, sustain, immediate and sensitive response, and overall playing comfort.

In 2021, at the “XII Concorso Internazionale di Liuteria” in Pisogne (BS), Italy, she was awarded both a gold and a silver medal.