Why are guitars and mandolins your chosen instruments?
As a child, I needed my guitar fixed, so I did a bit of research and decided to do it by myself: later, I thought I could also build them. My native town, Brescia, is the capital city of fretted instruments, so working on mandolins was natural.
What is your most unique project?
I recently had the chance to design and build a new mandolin for a string orchestra, commissioned by a composer who needed an inspiring instrument, with a different sound, to write his music. It was very challenging and brought a great source of fulfillment.
©Fabio Bonardi
What do you like the most about your craft?
I love when I see musicians, both players and composers, able to express themselves at their best, using the instruments I’ve built. Also, I love working on historical instruments created by great masters: I learn a lot from them during the restoration process.
What is a memorable moment in your professional life?
It’s really satisfying when my guitars and mandolins are appreciated in important international fairs, such as the Music China in Shanghai. As an Italian luthier, I am a proud ambassador of an illustrious culture. I love to know that instruments that I made or restored are around the world.