Antonio Marchese - 2025 "Garcia" - REG 2025 Limited Edition

About the luthier

Antonio Marchese, born in 1992 in Aosta, Italy, is a master luthier crafting classical guitars and restoring historical and contemporary plucked instruments. After training at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria in Milan, where he specialized in instrument construction and restoration, he refined his skills under Enrico Bottelli, focusing on Spanish tradition guitars. In 2019, he opened his workshop in Montafia, Piedmont, where he creates exceptional classical guitars and historical replicas, known for their tonal and aesthetic excellence, using techniques like hand-assembled wooden mosaics and shellac varnishing. Antonio also provides expert restoration services and, since 2020, has taught varnishing for plucked instruments at his alma mater, sharing his expertise with future luthiers.

About the guitar

This beautiful REG 2025 Limited Edition model is the result of a meticulous study of three Enrique Garcia guitars and an early-period Francisco Simplicio. Rather than replicating a specific instrument, the goal was to develop a construction method and sound concept inspired by these two legendary luthiers. The outcome is an instrument that pays homage to their traditions while offering a unique voice of its own.

The guitar features an 8-fan bracing system with two closing bars and no bridge plate. Its design is asymmetrical, with narrower and taller braces on the treble side to enhance brilliance and clarity, while the bass side is built with wider and lower braces to provide depth and resonance. This thoughtful construction allows the instrument to produce a full, rich sound with precise articulation across the entire tonal spectrum.

The soundboard is made from exquisite Val di Fiemme spruce, renowned for its acoustic qualities. With an average thickness of just 1.8 to 1.6 mm, the top ensures exceptional sensitivity and responsiveness, allowing even the subtlest nuances of touch to be expressed with ease.

Sonically, this guitar captures the sought-after “old world” character thanks to its very low air resonance, giving it a warm and complex tonal palette. At the same time, the trebles remain beautifully balanced, with impressive sustain and rich tonal colors, offering a refined and expressive sound that is both lyrical and powerful.

As a limited edition, Antonio has lavished special attention on the decorative details of this instrument. The rosette, top purflings, headstock strip, and bridge decoration are all adorned with intricate mosaic inlays, showcasing his dedication to craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty.

Take a look at the presentation video of this special guitar below, where you’ll find plenty of additional information about its playability and sound.