Pietrro Gallinotti classical, made in Italy 1974, original French polish finish. Pietro Gallinotti (1885-1979) is perhaps the most famous 20th century Italian guitar maker; he certainly has a stellar reputation. Pietro began woodwork as an apprentice cabinet maker at age ten, continuing into his late twenties. He was drafted into WW1 and unfortunately 
 found himself as a prisoner of war in Czechoslovakia; it was during his incarceration that he  made his first violin. Upon returning to his hometown of Solero Italy, he opened an instrument making and repair workshop, initially focusing on violin-family builds. Through his repair business, he was able to study the fine details of guitars by legendary builders Hernandez, Ramirez and Hauser; even repairing a guitar for Spanish legend Andrés Segovia in 1949. Pietro switched his primary focus to classical guitar making from around 1950, and grew in renown throughout the next couple of decades. This guitar was made in his twilight years: he was 89 at the time, but still did all the work completely by hand. The detail on show is amazing: the headstock inlay and rosette alone must represent countless hours of work. The bracing pattern is inspired by Spanish master Santos Hernández's work, with seven struts running along the top meeting an angled transverse bar near the sound hole. The body is made from old growth German spruce and Indian rosewood; both specimens are as deluxe as you could ask for. The neck has a relatively wide 54mm nut  and is carved to a comfy slim D style shape, it's a very classy build and feels outstanding in the hands. When you buy a guitar like this, primarily, you're paying for the sound, and this sounds phenomenal. It's got amazing sustain all the way up and down the neck; even the top notes ring with gusto. The speed and weight of the attack is exemplary, with a thick low end kick and a shining complexity through the mids. In the hands of an skilled player, this sounds rapturously delightful. Odds are better than even that this is the only Gallinotti that will list for sale in Australia this year, so if you've been waiting for the right one to come along, here's your chance.

Note: this guitar is available to inspect and play at our Hobart store by request or appointment, it's not displayed on the wall due to the delicacy of the finish.

Model: Pietro Gallinotti Concert Classical
Made: 1974, Solero, Italy
Finish: natural, French polish
Body: solid German spruce top, solid old growth Indian rosewood back and sides, Hernandez style seven-strut bracing pattern, rosewood bridge
Neck: mahogany, ebony fretboard, 54mm nut, slim D classical shape
Weight: 1.560kg
Mods: one seem repaired on the top in the elbow area
Pickup: none
Accessories: vintage hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on  the end and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has minor dimples and surface scratches on the shoulders, elbow area, back edge and bottom corner. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body, no major marks. The front has scuffs around the bridge, dimples in the elbow area and back edge and some play wear on the shoulders and around the sound hole.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is moderately low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Wearing fresh Knobloch Actives double silver 200ADN classical strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only