Harp Guitars and Related Instruments of Monzino & Sons by Gregg Miner |
This site has yet to
fully explore and present the incredible
instruments of Antonio Monzino and his sons, and also the many
spectacular instruments made by little-known Milan makers that were built
for the Monzino firm (with the Monzino label) and/or sold through the Monzino
shop. These instruments rival Mozzani
for variety and design, and yet are completely different - and often
much more elaborately decorated. Many are
dramatically different from anything seen before or since!
From the Fondazione Antonio Carlo Monzino comes this brief history (rough translation by Gregg Miner):
11 of the incredible instruments shown below are from the collection of Antonio Carlo Monzino himself - now on display at a new museum associated with the Fondazione Antonio Carlo Monzino. Several makers are represented - including those who built for the Monzino label or whose instruments were sold through the Monzino shop, and also older, unrelated instruments from Antonio's personal collection. I've taken the liberty of sharing these harp guitar and related instruments below - details are on their site, which has many dozen other wonderful instruments. |
The shop of Antonio IV Monzino & Sons, Milan, 1914. Several harp guitars can barely be seen behind and to the right of the lyre-shaped guitar. And check out the family of bowed guitars! |
Maker: Severino Riva Year: 1911 School: Cremonese Label: "Antonio Monzino & Figli" 6 sub-basses |
Maker: Luigi
Galimberti Year: 1910 Label: "Antonio Monzino & Figli" 8 sub-basses |
Maker: Luigi
Galimberti Year: 1932 Label 1: "A.Monzino & Garlandini" Label 2: "Luigi Galimberti, fece a Milano l'anna 1932 (ink signature) 6 sub-basses (Miner Museum) |
Maker: Unknown Photo courtesy Alex Timmerman 6 sub-basses |
Maker: Unknown From Cremona 8 sub-basses |
Maker: Armando
Giulietti Year: 1938 School: Lombardia Label: "Armando Giulietti, Milano" 7 sub-basses |
See also Milanese Master Luthier Luigi Galimberti |
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These first three hollow arm harp guitars all share the same design, yet were built by different makers for the Monzino firm. They include a different number of sub-basses and ornamentation - from gorgeous to spectacular! | Giulietti instruments were sold through the Monzino shop. |
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