2014 Mordeglia EH

The acclaimed luthier Riccarddo Mordeglia hails from Ferrara, the Italian heartland of guitar making that also produced pioneering builders such as Luigi Mozzani and Mario Maccaferri. Mordeglia is a diligent student of the Emilian school of luthiers and has had the opportunity to restore original instruments constructed by Mozzani and Maccacferri. These luthiers laid the groundwork for the modern "Gypsy guitar." Mordeglia has taken it upon himself to take look back at the original design principals of these groundbreaking luthiers and adapt them to make the best possible Gypsy jazz guitar.

This unique model EH is a perfect example of how Mordeglia is blending the old with the new. The bracing of this instrument was inspired by an original Mozzan-Maccaferri guitar which is comprised of 4 regular braces and one "mini" brace behind the bridge area. The top is heat bent (a technique Selmer also used), a feature normally only found in high end guitars over double the price. The top is cedar, the two piece back and the sides were made from an attractive cut of granadillo, and the neck was fashioned from a stunning piece of European flamed maple that almost seems to glow! This guitar features several nice aesthetic touches such as an ebony headstock veneer, an ebony heel cap, granadillo heel separator, a mammoth ivory inlay in the rosette, and a 40s era vintage ballerina tailpiece. It is impeccably built, with even the finest details finished to near perfection.

The sound of this instrument seems to speak from a bygone era, with a voice more akin to the guitars built during the 1930s Golden Era of Franco-Italian luthiery. The cedar top works its magic, producing a mature and open tone that fills the room with the ease. The heat bent top allows for a quick, snappy attack and lots, and lots of volume. The overall tone is very balanced, with none of the overly strident, banjo like qualities that some of the more aggressive Gypsy guitars have. The bass is full, the mids are thick, and the high end is rounded and smooth.

I should also mention this guitar is quite easy to play. It has very easy playing 2.8mm action with a very slinky, smooth feel which makes it a joy to play!

This guitar has some playing wear, with numerous small dings on the body. There is also some moderate fret wear and a small repaired back crack that was professionally cleated and is stable.

A European guitar of this quality is unheard of at this price. Go ahead and treat yourself to a wonderful instrument that has the pedigree of thoroughbred for the price of pony.

This is the CASH price...add 3% (4% for International orders) if you'd like to pay with a credit card.