Giancarlo Nannoni

Borgo Tossignano, Italy

Giancarlo Nannoni has devoted himself to classical guitar making since 1994, working from his workshop in Borgo Tossignano, in the hills near Bologna. Largely self taught, he studied the physics and acoustics of the instrument in depth, an education that began with youthful violin study and exposure to the luthier Contavalli in Imola. A multi instrumentalist himself, he brings a player's ear to the bench, and he holds that waiting, time, and slowness are indispensable values in the craft. He exhibits regularly across Italy and has lectured on lutherie in schools.

Nannoni builds classical concert guitars with a warm sound, rich in nuance, and his instruments are played by conservatory faculty and by young performers who have placed in international competitions. His contemporary work features a minimalist, lightweight lattice bracing so subtle it barely reads as lattice, producing a voice that stays warm, musical, and traditional in character while keeping modern power and projection in reserve. His aesthetic sense is equally distinctive: understated tie blocks and purflings that let his signature rosettes, bright with greens and blues, read as a clean pop of color.

Our 2026 Nannoni Maia was built to our specifications, and it was his rosette that first drew us to his work. The guitar itself exceeded expectations: a thirty year old Swiss spruce top over cocobolo that woke up within minutes of playing, singing with a full, hum like quality and remarkable overtone complexity. The third string alone rewards more exploration than most whole guitars. It is warm and traditional in feel, with extra power always on tap, and it convinced us that Nannoni is one of the most compelling luthiers working in Italy today. Our expert team welcomes inquiries about future builds.