Leonardo de Gregorio/Romano Gambacorta – 2024 No. 15 REG 2024 Limited Edition Doubletop

Description

Leonardo de Gregorio, born in Rome on February 27, 1977, is a distinguished guitarist and luthier. A pupil of Gianluca Persichetti, he graduated with honors in guitar from the “A. Casella” Conservatory in L’Aquila. He has attended advanced courses with notable instructors such as Bruno Battisti D’Amario in 1996, Massimo Delle Cese, and Arturo Tallini at the International Academy of Music in Rome “Arts Academy”. Leonardo participated in masterclasses with internationally renowned guitarists like R. Dyens, D. Russel, and Assad. As a soloist, he was part of the Guitensemble, an orchestra founded and directed by Arturo Tallini, performing at major Italian music events. Alongside Andrea Pace, he performed in the “Libra” Guitar Duo across various venues in Rome and appeared on the Telestudio television show “Bella Copia”. The duo was awarded at the 7th “Giulio Rospigliosi” national competition in the chamber music category. Leonardo has also collaborated with chamber groups, including a violinist and a flutist, and studied electric guitar and jazz harmony with Fabio Zeppetella. His recording credits include work with Nicola Piovani and Antonio Di Pofi, and guitar parts for the soundtrack of the TV series “Un medico per amico” on RAI 1. In 2000, he began studying lutherie, drawing inspiration from past masters like Torres and Hauser, while also embracing avant-garde experiments, and soon after built his first guitar. His expertise in classical guitar playing has led him to create instruments praised for their responsiveness, volume, and ease of play, earning acclaim from musicians worldwide.

This unique guitar was built by two different luthiers, Leonardo de Gregorio and Romano Gambacorta. While shaped in the traditional Torres style, diverges from a strict historical replication by incorporating modern building methodologies aimed at enhancing its suitability for contemporary repertoire. It echoes the sound philosophy of the Torres school, featuring a very low bass tuning close to Eb, which imparts a sweetness of tone reminiscent of late 19th-century instruments. Constructed entirely from European woods, this initiative supports the movement among luthiers and organizers to promote the use of local timbers and demonstrate their acoustic quality. The soundboard is crafted from German tapped spruce, with Tasso wood for the back and sides, a cypress neck, and a toasted eucalyptus fingerboard, all contributing to the guitar’s distinctive sound profile. Additionally, it features a Tasso bridge and Kris Barnett tuners, enhancing its playability and precision. A unique touch is the inner label, a portrait of Antonio de Torres painted by Cuban artist Deiby Canovas, adding a personal and artistic element. Weighing only about 1100 grams and tuned to a deep Eb resonance, this guitar offers an exceptional and dynamic playing experience, blending historical inspiration with modern craftsmanship.