Neck:Mahogany
Fingerboard:Ebony
Finish(Top):Shellac
Finish(Back & Sides):Shellac
Tuning Machines:ALESSI
String Height(1st):3.0mm
String Height(6th):4.2mm

Maker Information

The maker is based in Ponte in Valtellina, Italy. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and studied for three years at the Conservatory of Castelfranco Veneto under the renowned Italian guitarist Stefano Grondona. After graduating, he worked as a guitarist and teacher while simultaneously pursuing guitar making, eventually becoming a full-time luthier.

Influenced by his teacher Grondona, he developed a deep interest in pre–World War II Spanish masters such as Manuel Ramírez, Santos Hernández, Enrique García, and Simplicio, and had numerous opportunities to study their original instruments. His decisive turning point came with the discovery of Antonio de Torres’ guitars, which he adopted as the ultimate reference for his own work. To date, he has repaired and studied approximately twenty Torres guitars, and his instruments are built on this traditional foundation.

While actively incorporating modern techniques where appropriate, his guitars are not mere replicas of historic instruments. Rather, they possess a distinctly original character, offering a fresh and compelling appeal. His work has been highly praised by many guitarists, including his mentor Stefano Grondona.

Instrument Information

This is a Used Luca Waldner Torres Model No. 86, built in 2004.

The instrument features an all-shellac finish, giving it a delicate, handcrafted texture and an understated, organic beauty. The bright appearance of the body—combining a high-quality European spruce top with beautifully figured flamed maple back and sides—is complemented by decorative details such as the rosette and purfling in black, orange, and brown tones, evoking a folk-inspired, vintage aesthetic. The bridge tie block is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, further enhancing its refined, old-world character.

Tonally, the guitar offers a dry, woody, and highly organic sound. Rather than the glossy, expansive tone often associated with modern guitars, it reflects the nuanced voice of the Spanish masters so admired by the maker, interpreted through his own sensibility.

The internal top bracing consists of seven symmetrical fan braces, two closing bars at the lower bout, two harmonic bars above the soundhole, and one below. The resonance is set relatively low, around E to F.

There is no history of major repairs such as cracks. Minor signs of wear from clothing contact and light scratches on the back of the neck are present, but overall the instrument remains in very good condition. Due to the thin construction, there is slight deformation of the top, which does not affect playability. The neck and frets are in good condition, and the neck profile is a standard medium-depth D shape.

The string height measures 3.0 mm on the first string and 4.0 mm on the sixth string at the 12th fret. The saddle has approximately 2.0–3.0 mm of remaining height, allowing for further adjustment if desired. Alessi tuning machines are installed and function properly, with no issues for continued use.

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