2023 Mordeglia Papiri Burgassi

The acclaimed luthier Riccardo Mordeglia hails from Ferrara, the Italian heartland of guitar making that also produced pioneering builders such as Luigi Mozzani and Mario Maccaferri. Riccarddo 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." Riccarddo has taken it upon himself to take a 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 is based on a unique Papiri and Burgassi guitar played by Django

Siro Burgassi was part of the mass emigration of master Sicilian luthiers (Di Mauro, Oliveri Anastasio, etc) who left Catania in the early 20th century. In the 1930s Burgassi and his countrymen setup a series of shops on the East side of Paris and quickly adapted their skills to making jazz guitars in the Selmer Maccaferri style. Burgassi worked as banjo neck maker for the legendary luthier Bartolomeo Busato. Burgassi later went on to produce instruments in collaboration with another of Busato's proteges, Gino Papiri. They constructed many banjos, some very ornate, which bear the "SG" logo on the headstock. Papiri, who was the father in-law of Jacques Favino, later worked at the Favino workshop. Burgassi continued to build under his own name, earning a reputation as one of the most creative and innovative lutheirs from the Golden Era of Franco-Italian luthiere.

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 aged spruce works its magic, producing a mature and open tone that fills the room with ease. The heat bent top allows for a quick, snappy attack and lots, and lots of volume. This instrument produces exceptionally crisp, singing leads that are chimey and beautiful. This is a result of this guitar's wonderful high end response which is colorful, rich, and cutting. The bass response is perfectly present, but not overwhelming, resulting in excellent clarity and definition across the entire range of the instrument.

This instrument has very easy playing 2.8mm action with a very slinky, smooth feel which makes it a joy to play!

This guitar is fashion statement that will standout both visually and sonically at any gig or jam. Go ahead and treat yourself to this wonderful, unique instrument that has all the old world charm you could ever ask for!

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