Antonio Marchese - 2023 No. 105

Antonio Marchese, born in 1992 in Aosta, Italy, is an esteemed master luthier specializing in crafting traditional classical guitars and restoring historical and contemporary plucked instruments. His six-year education at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria del Comune di Milano laid the groundwork for his intricate craft, where he spent four years learning about the construction of plucked instruments, organology, and the basics of chemistry and acoustic physics, followed by two years specializing in the restoration of musical instruments. After school, Marchese trained under the renowned luthier Enrico Bottelli in Voghera, Pavia, where he transformed from an apprentice to a valued collaborator. The experience with Bottelli inspired his focus on Spanish tradition instruments and continues to shape his ongoing pursuit of perfection in sound and aesthetics. His collaboration with Bottelli remains active to this day. In his career, Marchese has showcased his exceptional skills as a maker and restorer at several prestigious international exhibitions and events. These include the 2017 Violin Museum event in Cremona, "Caravaggio and Monteverdi sonar stromenti e figurar la musica", and the "Le Mani Sapienti" cultural project during the 2016 Expo at the Castello Sforzesco in Milan and at LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura in Lugano. In 2019, Marchese established his own workshop in the scenic town of Montafia, located in the picturesque hills of Monferrato in Piedmont. Here, he passionately creates his own models of classical guitars and historical replicas. His workshop also serves as a hub for modern instruments' restoration, repair, and setup. Every restoration process, whether conservative or functional, is meticulously documented through photographic, scientific, and dimensional diagnostic surveys. Marchese's guitars are also known for their artistic and decorative excellence. His techniques of hand-assembling wooden mosaic and shellac varnishing have been carefully honed over the years. It is his unwavering patience and precision that ensure the success of his complex craft. Adding another feather to his cap, since 2020, Marchese has been imparting his wisdom as a varnishing teacher for plucked instruments at his alma mater, the Civica Scuola di Liuteria del Comune di Milano.
The 2023 Antonio Marchese Guitar No. 105 is a testimony to superior craftsmanship and acoustic brilliance. Constructed by the accomplished luthier Antonio Marchese, this guitar reflects an exquisite blend of traditional design and innovative acoustics. Featuring a stunning spruce top coupled with Indian rosewood back and sides, the instrument shines in both aesthetics and tonal quality. One standout attribute of the 2023 Antonio Marchese Guitar no. 105 is its exceptional French polish. Marchese's expertise in this technique is evident in the flawless finish, adding to the visual allure of the instrument. This meticulous detailing truly speaks volumes about Marchese's commitment to excellence and his mastery of the craft. Built on a traditional 7 fan brace design, this guitar embodies Marchese's personal vision of the perfect guitar sound. Its main resonance is in the F# range, resulting in deep, dark bass tones that beautifully complement the very singing and melodious trebles. This balance provides an enriching and expressive sound palette, offering guitarists a versatile instrument for various playing situations. In summary, the 2023 Antonio Marchese Guitar no. 105 exemplifies top-tier luthiery, marrying stunning visuals with superior sound quality. Its intricate design and remarkable acoustics make it an ideal choice for discerning guitarists, further cementing Antonio Marchese's status as a leading figure in guitar-making.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.