Antonio G. Monzino Classical Guitar Guadagnini Style 1890's / 1910's

The Monzino House, founded by Antonio Monzino I (1730-1800) around 1750 in Milan. The latter is recognized for its important role in the creation of guitars, mandolins and violins among others. It is since this period that a dynamic commercial activity has emerged, enriched by the mastery of Antonio I's son, Giacomo Antonio Monzino II (1772-1854).

Giacomo Antonio, in addition to mastering the art of the violin and guitar, stands out as an innovative composer and creator. His fruitful collaborations with the musicians of his time gave birth to instruments of a particular aesthetic and very good sound quality. His bold vision also led him to become a prominent music publisher, marking the intersection between violin making and music distribution.

It was then Antonio Giacomo Monzino IV (1874-1929) who strengthened the family tradition by introducing avant-garde manufacturing techniques, notably the use of new machines for woodworking and the creation of spun ropes. Collaborating with the best Italian artists of the time, he preserved the quality of violin making while integrating innovative elements. His influence also gave rise to the "mandolinists' circle", demonstrating his dedication to expanding musical horizons.

The legacy of the Monzino family was successfully carried on by Antonio Carlo Monzino VI (1909-), who knew how to respond to the demands of his time by diversifying the artisanal activity. This expansion saw the even wider integration of a variety of Italian and foreign instruments into their offering. Thus Maison Monzino has also become even more established as a distributor. This visionary approach has opened up new perspectives while remaining faithful to the very essence of Monzino violin making.

The shop of Antonio IV Monzino & Fils, Milan, 1914.

(Source: www.harpguitars.net)

Here the guitar offered for sale dates from the end of the 19th century, beginning of the 20th century, certainly sold during the period of Antonio Giacomo Monzino IV based on models by Gaetano Guadagnini.

We feel that the guitar was made to sound, with a very refined aesthetic to let the woods vibrate and resonate as much as possible.

The latter also has the particularity of having a very ample body which offers a very interesting depth of sound coupled with a delicate and dynamic projection.

Technical characteristics :

• Top: Spruce
• Base: Walnut
• Sides: Walnut
• Handle: Walnut
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Width at nut: 42.5 mm
• Radius: Flat
• Frets: 17 frets
• Tuning fork: 640mm
• Profile: V
• Country of manufacture: Italy
• Year: late 19th
• Finish: Natural (very beautiful patina)
• Decorations: White mother-of-pearl circle fingerboard markers / Maple-rosewood purfling rosette
• Details: Traces of wear and normal restoration for its age / Delivered in a cover

Like all our instruments, this guitar has been completely restored with care and is in very good condition for more than a century of existence.

Tuned and fully playable, it also has pleasant playing comfort.

With a full sound, an interesting depth coupled with a delicate projection, and dynamic with beautiful harmonics, this very interesting guitar will perfectly please guitarists.