Paolo Coriani handmade classical guitars

 


Paolo Coriani luthier
Luthier Paolo Coriani


+39 059 827565



detail of one of my guitars

take a look at
details of my
classical
guitars


My classical guitars

Models:

Manuel Ramirez 1912, 1890
Hermann Hauser 1952
Antonio De Torres 1864 "La Suprema"


Participants of the traditional Spanish guitar making course
In 1993 I took part in course held in Cordova by Josè Luis Romanillos on the traditional Spanish school of guitar making. It was then that I began making guitars based on the Manuel Ramirez 1912 which was owned by Andres Segovia, and which became a point of reference for me.
My guitar based on a 1912 Ramirez
Manuel Ramirez guitar models
Manuel Ramirez, was the inside of a Ramirez model classical guitar from late 19th century to early 20th century, one of the most accomplished guitar makers who followed the techniques and principles of Antonio De Torres. It is said that having come into possession of some Torres labels, he made some guitars, claiming they were authentic Torres’ models and only after having earned the plaudits of the viewing public would he reveal that they were his own work.


Ramirez’ knowledge was also accumulated as a result of important restoration work he had carried out on many Torres guitars, including the SE 43 of 1893, on which he worked in 1912 and which today can be seen at the Paris Museum of Music.

Since 1993 I have had the opportunity to view and analyse a number of instruments made by Manuel Ramirez between 1890 and 1912. the inside of my Ramirez classical guitar The guitar I make is based on the 1912 model played by Segovia, but my instruments is a highly personal interpretation featuring some modifications that have been modified over years of research and work.




Guitar based on a Manuel RamirezShort scale classical guitar
Another Manuel Ramirez guitar I make is a short scale classical guitar dating from 1890. This copy was first made whilst a student from Milan’s Civic School of Lutherie was working with me.


The 1912 Manuel Ramirez was also used as a model by Hermann Hauser 1st Guitar based on a Hermann Hauserwho saw it played during a concert tour given in Germany by Segovia.
Hauser’s models dating from 1934 and 1937 are really very similar to Ramirez’ instrument of 1912
I had the opportunity to use a Hauser as a model when I was given the chance to inspect and analyse at close quarters a guitar of his made in 1952. This instrument is somewhat larger than the original, its dimensions are more along the lines of modern day instruments. It produces a silvery, clear tone and has a firm and dry bass register.


My interest in old instruments has led me to make a guitar based on the instruments of Antonio De Torres.
an Antonio Torres modelI make a “copy” of the FE 19 guitar known as “La Suprema” fitted with a tornavoz.
I decided to make a guitar with a tornavoz in order to make a really sophisticated instrument displaying a variety of characteristic features that would best enable me to understand the instrument’s acoustic potential.
the inside of a guitar with tornavoz

I always endeavour to “recreate” the sound of 19th and 20th century guitars, instruments that profoundly influenced the musical aesthetics of most of the repertoire written for it in the 20th century.

My guitars are all made in a humidity controlled environment to minimize sudden shrinkage in the woods. I use up to 5 different glues, some traditional, some synthetic, to achieve the better cohesion possible.

The guitars are French polished with shellac, to produce a varnished effect of smooth and silky brilliance that gives the wood a completely natural colour and warmth and, what’s more, makes the sound unbeatable, as it allows the guitar to express the most subtle nuances of timbre.

see the film on how I design the rosette

take a look at how I design the rosette


My instruments are played in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, the USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, India and Hong Kong.

 

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