Marco Maguolo – 2024 No. 293 Ducale

Description

Marco Maguolo was born in Mestre (Venice, Italy) in 1976. After attending technical schools, his passion for the guitar took over, and he started building his first guitar under the guidance of Maestro M. Novelli. Starting from the autumn of 2003, he devoted himself entirely to making classical guitars. On top of his classical guitar-making skills, Marco Maguolo attended a bow service and repair course at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria di Milano held by Maestro Pietro Cavalazzi, and a violin-making course at the Scuola di Liuteria di Pieve di Cento in Bologna under the guidance of Maestro Marcello Bellei. Since 2004, Marco Maguolo’s waiting list kept growing quickly, and his guitars, played in concerts worldwide, gained broad recognition for their tone qualities and projection.

Marco Maguolo’s “Ducale” model is a captivating blend of musical excellence and a heartfelt tribute to his heritage. Meticulously crafted as a concert model, it embodies a deep reverence for Venice and Italy, Marco’s beloved city and country. The guitar’s design is rich in cultural symbolism; the rosette is inspired by the colonnades of Venice’s iconic Ducal Palace, and the purfling proudly bears the colors of the Italian flag. This model is not just an instrument but a piece of art, reflecting the elegance and quality of Italian craftsmanship. In terms of its sound, the “Ducale” strikes a perfect balance between the robust power expected of a concert instrument and a sublime beauty of timbre. It boasts a deep, resonant bass and dense, rich trebles that are abundant in harmonics and expression, making every note played a testament to its superior construction and sound design.

Marco Maguolo himself describes the “Ducale” as a culmination of his continuous project (La Concerto) and a tribute to Venice and Italy. The design elements, from the rosette inspired by Palazzo Ducale to the purfling echoing the Italian flag, are thoughtfully incorporated to pay homage to his roots. Marco’s philosophy for the “Ducale” centers on creating a strong yet lightweight architecture for the neck, sides, and back, supporting a light and responsive soundboard. This approach results in a guitar that is reactive and versatile, akin to contemporary instruments but with a unique, warm, and silky sound that is ever-changing. The original bracing design further accentuates this unique quality, making the “Ducale” a standout model that bridges traditional craftsmanship with innovative sound engineering.