Angelo Vailati was born in 1977 in Treviglio, in the Bergamo area of Lombardy, and has been a professional luthier since 2002. He graduated with top marks from the Civica Scuola di Liuteria in Milan, then refined his craft with a remarkable line of teachers: post-diploma training in the workshop of Enrico Bottelli, José Romanillos's guitar making course in Sigüenza, and time in Granada with Daniele Chiesa. From his workshop in Bologna he builds classical guitars exclusively, entirely by hand and without CNC machines, using only the finest woods.
Years of experimentation have brought Vailati back, every time, to one instrument: his five fan braced concert model in the Granada style, which he refines rather than replaces. Blending Spanish tradition with Italian aesthetics, he aims for perfect balance between the registers and a sound he describes as intelligible, transparent, malleable, and elegant. The details reward a close look: intricate diamond motif rosettes, maple bindings that halo the body, a distinctive sharp edged headstock, hand drawn labels, and immaculate French polish. He builds only about nine guitars a year, and half of them stay in Italy.
The 2019 Vailati we sold made us admirers immediately. It simply sang: a lightweight single top with the power, sustain, and response you would expect from far more modern construction, a first string that flew off the guitar, and one of our favorite rosettes we have seen on an Italian guitar in years. It was ultra comfortable to play and inspired everyone who picked it up. We are delighted to now be working with Angelo: he is building an instrument for us on that same concert model, with the same materials, rosette, and sound concept as the 2019, expected in 2027. With so few guitars made each year, our expert team is glad to talk with anyone interested in reserving it.
No instruments by Angelo Vailati are in the shop at this moment, but the next one is already on the way: it is expected to arrive in Q2 2027. Instruments at this level are often reserved before they land, so if you would like first claim on it, contact our expert team to reserve it ahead of arrival.
