Daniele Marrabello, 2020
Spruce / Indian Rosewood
Overview
This striking 2020 classical guitar by Milan-based luthier Daniele Marrabello is both visually stunning and musically compelling. Named “A Nina”, the instrument was built during a particularly meaningful period in the maker’s life surrounding the birth of his daughter.
From the first moments with this guitar, it becomes clear that it is something special. The instrument is extremely open and resonant, producing a voice that feels expansive and alive under the hands. The sound has remarkable depth while maintaining clarity and brilliance across the entire register.
The trebles are lyrical and expressive, singing easily with beautiful projection, while the basses offer satisfying warmth and foundation. The overall voice is balanced and colorful, capable of great nuance while still delivering impressive power when pushed.
Equally impressive is the playability. The setup is comfortable and responsive, allowing the guitar to speak easily with minimal effort. Combined with the instrument’s natural resonance, this makes for a guitar that is both inspiring and effortless to play.
Visually, the craftsmanship is exceptional. The elegant design, fine materials, and refined finishing work reflect Marrabello’s deep attention to detail and artistic sensibility.
Sound
The tonal character of this guitar is powerful, open, and highly lyrical.
The instrument produces a beautifully balanced voice with impressive projection and sustain. The basses are deep and supportive without becoming overpowering, while the midrange carries warmth and richness that ties the entire sound together.
The trebles are particularly striking, offering clarity, brilliance, and expressive singing quality. Notes remain focused and articulate even in complex passages, allowing the instrument to deliver both color and precision.
Overall, the guitar offers a wide palette of tonal possibilities, responding equally well to delicate playing and stronger attack.
Playability
Playability is excellent.
The neck profile feels natural and comfortable, and the guitar responds quickly and easily to the player’s touch. This responsiveness makes the instrument feel lively and effortless in the hands.
Condition
The guitar is in excellent condition, showing only minimal signs of use consistent with careful ownership.
The Maker
Italian luthier Daniele Marrabello, born in Milan in 1986, builds his instruments with a deep respect for the traditional European guitar-making lineage. He trained at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria in Milan, where he studied instrument building before completing an apprenticeship in the workshop of master luthier Enrico Bottelli in Voghera.
In 2012 Marrabello opened his own workshop near Milan, where he continues to build finely crafted classical guitars that blend traditional inspiration with his own evolving artistic voice. His work draws influence from historic makers such as Antonio de Torres, Domingo Esteso, Enrique Garcia, and Hermann Hauser I, whose instruments he studied extensively through recordings and live performance.
Marrabello approaches each instrument with both scientific precision and musical instinct. He carefully evaluates the density and flexibility of his materials while allowing his ear and intuition to guide the final shaping of the guitar’s voice.
A defining aspect of Marrabello’s work is the personal meaning attached to each instrument. Every guitar reflects a moment in his life and carries a story connected to the period in which it was built.
This particular instrument, titled “A Nina,” was created during the months surrounding the birth of his daughter during the Italian lockdown, symbolizing both a deeply personal moment and a sense of renewal and hope.
Specs
Year: 2020
Maker: Daniele Marrabello
Model / Name: “A Nina”
Top: Spruce
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Scale Length: 650 mm
Nut Width: 52.5 mm
Tuners: Alessi
Finish: French Polish
Worldwide shipping is available.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com