Donato Bianchi 2024 Contemporary Guitar, No 42
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Origin: San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
Top: Red cedar
Bracing: falcate bracing in red cedar, laminated with carbon fiber
Rosette: roasted plane tree
Back and sides: koa
Neck: spanish cedar, reinforced with a strip of itín (prosopis kuntzei)
Fretboard: ebony
Head plate: ebony
Bridge: ebonized walnut, laminated with carbon fiber
Nut and saddle: bone
Back bars: spruce
Tuners: Der Jung 103
Frets: Stew Mac, 18% nickel
Finish: dewaxed shellac french polish
Scratch guard: Hosco static cling, reusable
Inlays: abalone shell
Strings: Savarez 500 AR
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Hard Shell Gator Case
About the Luthier
“I first peeked into the world of luthiery when I was a boy, intrigued by the intangible sound coming from a flute or a toy guitar. I would sometimes make a minor repair on such instruments or try to draw sound by making the mouthpiece from a piece of bamboo cane”. Years later, Donato Bianchi’s first major project—a classical guitar built entirely from native woods—led to a commission for a custom 8-string guitar, launching his career as a professional luthier.
Based in San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, Donato’s instruments incorporate locally sourced woods like guayubira, cypress, acacia, olive wood, paraíso, and petiribí. He is also known to repurpose wood from storm-felled trees and old, out-of-use, wrecked pianos. This sustainable approach has yielded exceptional results, opening new frontiers in guitar craftsmanship while preserving precious tropical forests.
“Each instrument I create represents a blend of traditional techniques and innovative material choices, challenging conventional wisdom while maintaining the highest standards of acoustic excellence.”