Italian luthier Luca Santambrogio working on the fan bracing of a guitar soundboard

Detail of the decorative elements, binding and purfling of a Santambrogio classical guitar soundboar

Natural materials for French polishing: shellac, glue, polishing pads and pumice powder

Luca Santambrogio bending an ebony side for a classical guitar

My ideal guitar

Every part plays a leading role

The sound of a guitar does not depend on a single element, but on the balance and interaction of all its parts. Every component of the instrument takes part in its vibration and contributes, in its own way, to its sonic identity.

Within this balance, thicknesses are crucial: even small variations can influence the instrument’s vibrational behaviour and responsiveness. My work is therefore guided by the pursuit of a construction in which every element can fully express its potential, contributing to the creation of my own idea of sound.

The importance of detail

I devote great attention to every stage of the construction process, from the overall proportions of the instrument to the shaping of its individual components, down to the smallest details.

This level of care extends to both acoustic and aesthetic research: every choice must contribute to the overall balance of the guitar, without unnecessary elements.

I believe that precision and attention to detail are essential to creating an instrument built with consistency and care.

The most natural choice

I am a strong advocate for the use of natural materials, both in the construction of the instrument and in its finishing. Whenever possible, I avoid synthetic finishes, epoxy resins, and other artificial materials, favouring natural, traditional, and non-toxic alternatives.

This choice stems from the desire to create instruments that are more authentic and respectful of the materials from which they are made, while maintaining a direct connection with the tradition of luthiery.

Conscious materials

Wood is at the heart of every instrument, and choosing it is one of the most important stages of my work. I always seek out the finest materials available, carefully selected for their quality, acoustic properties, and natural beauty.

Whenever possible, I favour European and locally sourced species, reducing the need to rely on materials from the other side of the world.

When using exotic woods, I exclusively choose certified materials or wood sourced from responsible suppliers and reforestation programmes.