Fernando Mazza - 2025 - 64 cm

About the luthier

Fernando Mazza is an accomplished luthier originally from Argentina who transitioned from a successful career as a guitarist to become a full-time guitar maker. He established his workshop in Arezzo, Italy, where he produces instruments known for their powerful projection, structural precision, and elegant aesthetics. His guitars often feature a signature rosette inspired by the arches of the Palazzo Ducale in Venice. Working within the Australian lattice tradition, Fernando Mazza crafts guitars that balance modern construction techniques with a rich, expressive tonal character. Alongside his lattice-top instruments, he also offers Nomex double top guitars, extending the possibilities of responsiveness and projection.

About the guitar

This 2025 concert guitar by Fernando Mazza exemplifies his refined approach to modern lutherie. Built with a 640 mm scale, it is ideal for players seeking enhanced playability without compromising tonal depth. The red cedar soundboard is braced with balsa wood reinforced with carbon fiber, a system developed through extensive experimentation. The bracing varies in thickness between 2.3 mm and 1 mm, optimizing strength and flexibility while preserving the warmth and harmonic richness characteristic of cedar. The back and sides are crafted from Santos rosewood, combined with maple on the sides and Nomex inside the back, creating a lightweight yet rigid structure that maximizes resonance and projection. This architectural layering contributes to the instrument’s notably responsive character and long sustain. It is also equipped with an armrest and a sound port, enhancing comfort and tonal feedback during performance. Tonally, the guitar is striking for its immediacy and bold dynamic range. Chords resonate with a breathing quality, and single notes emerge with clarity and power, even with minimal effort. Its voice is modern, rich in overtones, and highly responsive to touch, allowing expressive nuance even when nails are not perfectly shaped. This is a guitar that reveals its character from the first note, making a lasting impression. It is especially suited for players who appreciate the projection and openness of guitars in the tradition of Greg Smallman or Simon Marty, while offering its own distinct voice.