Antonio Marchese - 2026 No. 114 "Garcia Model"
Antonio Marchese - 2026 No. 114 "Garcia Model"
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Antonio Marchese was born in 1992 in Aosta, Italy. He trained at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria in Milan, where he specialised in both instrument making and restoration. He later refined his work under Enrico Bottelli, with a particular focus on guitars of the Spanish tradition.
In 2019, he established his workshop in Montafia, in the Piedmont region, where he builds classical guitars and produces historical replicas alongside restoration work on plucked instruments. His approach is grounded in close study of historical models and traditional craftsmanship, including the use of hand assembled wooden mosaics and shellac varnishing. Since 2020, he has also taught varnishing for plucked instruments at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria in Milan.
About the guitar
This guitar from 2026 is the result of a detailed study of instruments by Enrique Garcia and an early guitar by Francisco Simplicio. Rather than following a single model, Antonio Marchese develops a construction approach and tonal concept derived from these sources, aiming to capture their underlying principles in a coherent, personal interpretation.
The spruce soundboard from Val di Fiemme is worked to a very light build, resulting in a structure of high sensitivity and immediate response. The bracing follows an eight fan layout with closing bars and no bridge plate, conceived asymmetrically. On the treble side, the braces are shaped to favour clarity and brilliance, while on the bass side they support depth and resonance. This differentiated approach allows the instrument to maintain separation and balance across the register while preserving a unified tonal character.
The flamed maple back and sides contribute to a clear and transparent projection, supporting a sound that is both quick in attack and refined in decay. The basses are resonant yet controlled, while the trebles emerge with a pure and singing quality. The overall voice is fluid and well balanced, with a measured degree of brightness that remains integrated within a warm and stable tonal framework. The low air resonance further enhances the instrument’s responsiveness and openness, particularly in the lower register.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.