2019 Eugenio Ligato “Ganymede” Spruce Limba

Me with Eugenio Ligato

Eugenio Ligato is the 3rd Italian luthier to arrive here in our gallery, where the 1st guitar of his was superb, and this one being our 2nd from this talented luthier, is another in a line of spectacular guitars.  This is one of his Concert Models, clearly a work of art as can be seen in the photos.   She is superbly and clearly voiced, with excellent projection, bold and direct, with lyrical qualities that many wish they had available and workmanship that is to be admired.  He builds in the traditional sense, utilizing new technology for structural purposes, with a 7 fan bracing system, cross latticed, using all wood.

The guitar is named “Ganymede” after the Greek Mythology and also is the name of Jupiter’s largest moon.  I believe Eugenio was going for the Greek divine hero, described as the most beautiful of humans, one whom Zeus himself fell in love with.  The guitar is aptly named.  Even still a baby, she is resonant, musical, capable of subtleties, with much room to grow as she ages.

The Black Limba is a superb choice, avoiding CITES issues, all while adding beauty to the guitar, and color to the voice.  Limba is also known as Heartwood, which is a light yellowish to golden brown, sometimes with grey to nearly black streaks and veins. Wood with such darker figuring is referred to as Black Limba, while plain un-figured wood is called White Limba. Sapwood is a pale greyish to yellowish brown, not clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Color tends to darken with age. (1. taken from the Wood Database).

Eugenio came to visit with me in the gallery, accompanied by his father Antonio and a good friend, Enrico, an accomplished Jazz musician in the city and the tri-state area.  A wonderful, relaxing and instructive time for all was had, lunch, and more discussion.  I consider Eugenio a friend, a young man with the vision of the Italian luthier and their excellence, firmly in focus, the future in good hands.  A student of the great Lorenzo Lippi, among others, he has also written scientific papers on the study of finishes, acoustics, and the guitar engineering process.  He is a wonderfully intelligent and thoughtful young man.  It is an honor to have his guitars here in our gallery.  The guitar is simply superb.

You can read more about Eugenio Ligato here