Giancarlo Nannoni - 2026 Asterope
Giancarlo Nannoni - 2026 Asterope
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
Giancarlo Nannoni has been devoted to guitar making since 1994. His path into the craft grew out of both musical practice and independent study. As a young musician he played guitar and other instruments across different styles, but a decisive impression came during his violin studies, when he encountered the workshop of the luthier Contavalli in Imola. The materials, tools, and atmosphere of that workshop left a lasting mark and gradually led him toward instrument making.
Nannoni approached guitar making largely as a self taught researcher, grounding his work in long study of the physics and acoustics of the classical guitar. Over the years he examined historical instruments in museums and private collections and closely studied the work of important makers from earlier generations. This investigative habit became central to his own method, in which observation, comparison, and structural reasoning all play an important role.
From the early years of his career, Nannoni was invited to exhibitions in numerous Italian cities and gave lectures on guitar making in both public and private institutions. His work has also been shaped through regular exchange with musicians, whose practical insight has remained an important reference point. Today his guitars are played in Italy and abroad by conservatory teachers and young concert players, including prize winners of major international competitions.
About the guitar
Asterope is a 2026 lattice bracing guitar by Giancarlo Nannoni, named after one of the Pleiades of Greek mythology, the nymphs transformed into stars. The instrument is built with a torrefied cedar soundboard and Madagascar rosewood back and sides, enriched by a Honduran cedar insert in the back. Even before one comes to the playing qualities, the concept is clearly defined: this is not a generic lattice design, but a guitar whose internal structure and material choices are directed toward a very specific tonal result.
According to Nannoni, the torrefied cedar used for this guitar showed lightness, elasticity, and an especially strong acoustic response during construction. That behaviour led him to adopt a lattice bracing pattern extending across the entire lower bout. The lattice itself is made to his own design and built entirely in wood, using thin spruce strips. This matters because the instrument does not aim at an artificial kind of power. Its voice is meant to remain natural, while gaining breadth, support, and a high degree of acoustic efficiency from the structure.
The resulting sound is shaped less by dryness or compression than by expansion and tonal presence. The trebles are bright and precise, giving the upper register clear projection and a distinct melodic edge. At the same time, the basses are deep and well defined, which keeps the lower register firm and intelligible rather than diffuse. This combination of luminous high notes and grounded low notes gives the guitar a broad tonal span without making it feel exaggerated.
Asterope therefore stands out not simply as a lattice bracing model, but as a carefully directed exploration of response, colour, and structural efficiency. The torrefied cedar contributes liveliness and readiness, while the wooden lattice helps the instrument speak with power and openness without losing naturalness. It is a guitar with a clear concept behind it and a tonal profile built around precision above, depth below, and a resonant voice that remains musically composed.
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.