Gabriele Lodi - 2023 "My Torres Interpretation" SE43

Gabriele Lodi is one of the leading Italian guitar builders and a respected luthier in the international classical guitar scene. Only a handful of other colleagues worldwide can claim to have had as many historic Spanish guitars on their workbench as he has. Of course, this is the knowledge that we respect and appreciate very much. Furthermore, Gabriele Lodi can grasp the finest details and express them with talent and taste to build first-class classical guitars.

Gabriele Lodi shared a few words with us about his approach to this A. de Torres interpretation model:

"Across the eighties, the picture of Antonio de Torres SE43 (from book "Guitares : Chefs-d'oeuvre des collections de France (Collection Eurydice)" influenced me significantly, which to me is the icon of Antonio de Torres as the "Stradivari of the modern guitar". I usually dreamed up over those pages, while I attended my father's workshop as a teenager, studying Torres details just from these pictures, in a time when it was quite impossible to have the original guitar in hand. Then growing up in the classical guitar circle, I realized I was not the only one. I notice that many others guitar lovers were impressed and inspired by that pics, really like if a masterpiece of art could create comunity, searching for beauty."

"This guitar follow the development of "My Torres Interpretation" model in order to support modern approach and strings. So, it is not a close copy, by the way as in my style, the guitar respect the most important teaching from Torres we could easily compare today with the stunning original guitar in Paris Museum. From the overall design, the selection of woods, the ornamentations, the bracing system and the joint point of the top positioned close to the 3th string are all the original ideas of Torres who is still the protagonists. I am trying to make my best in order to include Torres character of XIX century, in an enjoyable guitar for today. Moreover, the finishing of the sound box I use only natural colors from different kind of shellac going to a golden-amber tone which I prefer."

Emerging from the hands of Gabriele Lodi is a guitar that epitomizes the synergy of historical reverence and innovative craftsmanship. Drawing aesthetic inspiration from the famed Torres SE43, this piece evokes an air of classical elegance that will undoubtedly strike a chord with purists. But its soul is not just rooted in the past; it thrums with a vigor that matches contemporary demands.

One of the most captivating attributes of Gabriele's creation is its tonal aspirations. This guitar's voice aims to fill the gap between the profound depth of historical instruments and the dynamic versatility required for today's classical guitar repertoire. This instrument isn't a mere echo of antiquity but a refined version of it, reimagined for the modern era.

Balance is arguably the instrument's pièce de résistance. It doesn't lean too heavily towards any particular tonal spectrum, making it a chameleon capable of adapting to a gamut of musical styles. Whether you're weaving through intricate polyphonies of Baroque compositions or diving into the passionate depths of Spanish romanticism, this guitar ensures every note sings with clarity and purpose.

The "old world" characteristic, encapsulated in its F#-G main resonance, bridges the past and present beautifully. While it carries the venerable warmth and familiarity of time-tested instruments, it doesn't stifle the trebles. They emerge with a silken smoothness, painting the air with velvety strokes that have both substance and shimmer—perfect for the acoustics of a grand concert hall.

In the pantheon of modern guitar creations, this one stands tall. Gabriele Lodi has not just constructed a guitar; he has crafted a narrative—a tale of eras merging, traditions honored, and boundaries expanded. It's more than an instrument; it's a testament to the possibilities that arise when artistry meets innovation. This guitar, undoubtedly, is an epitome of the best the contemporary luthier world has to offer.