1925 Galiano (Antonio Cerrito) Grand Concert

$1,900.00

  • SOLD!

  • Year: 1925 (Circa)
  • Manufacturer: Galiano (Antonio Cerrito)
  • Model: Grand Concert
  • Case: Hard
  • Color: Natural
  • Condition: Very Good
  • Description: Another interesting Grand Concert-size guitar from the NYC workshop of Antonio Cerrito. New York City in the early 20th Century boasted a bevy of small guitar builders of Italian descent, with John D'Angelico the most renowned of the group. In the mix were luthiers Antonio Cerrito and Rafael Ciani (D'Angelico's uncle). This guitar likely comes from the shop of Antonio Cerrito because it matches the construction details of the guitar in our inventory whose top is penciled "A. Cirrito". Neil Harpe reports in his book on Stella guitars that there was a strong connection between these Italian luthiers and the Oscar Schmidt company, often sharing Schmidt parts and labels. But it's clear that this guitar is a hand built, small shop creation. One indicator is that the neck has a mortise and tenon joint, typical of Cerrito, rather than the traditional dovetail joint one would expect to see in a Schmidt factory instrument. The other clues are in the build and wood selection. The fit and finish, both inside and out, are a cut above Schmidt factory work, the fancy purfling is typical for Cerrito made pieces, and the wood used is a higher quality than seen in most Schmidt instruments. The label reads "A. Galiano Fabbriconte Di Chitarre e Mandolini" and was the same label used inside the Galiano line of Oscar Schmidt guitars and some guitars from Ciani's workshop. The size of this guitar fits what was commonly referred to as Grand Concert. The lower bout measures just over a 15", and 20 1/2" in length. The body is 3 7/8" thick at the end pin. Scale length is 26 1/8"; 1 3/4" at the nut and 2 5/16" across the saddle. The 12-fret neck is a nice grade of mahogany and the fingerboard is a dark, tropical wood, perhaps ebony. The headstock is overlaid with what looks like a walnut or rosewood veneer. Back and sides are a nice reddish mahogany. The very tight grained Adirondak red spruce top is bound in white and multi-color purfling, as is the sound hole. Back is bound in white, with a strip of multi-colored colored purfling inlaid down the center seam. Pearl dot inlaid into bridge pins and end pin. Tuners and ebony pyramid bridge appear to be original. Overall, the condition of the guitar is clean and attractive with the following to report: Dryness crack in upper 9 frets of fingerboard; some fret and fingerboard wear in first position area; four (repaired) top cracks; one small (repaired) back crack. Recently, the guitar has had a neck reset, frets leveled and dressed and the saddle slot filled and routed for correct intonation. The neck is extremely comfortable with a modern 'C' shape. The sound this guitar produces, like it's A. Cirrito signed counterpart, is it's most remarkable feature .. it's a fingerpicker's dream guitar. Even though ladder braced, it rings out bright and clear in the trebles, and provides a deep thump in the bass. The range of notes don't get lost or muddled but ring out loud and clear..this handmade beauty produces tones that blend nicely, while maintaining their unique voices in the mix. This is another example of a rare guitar from a little know but highly skilled maker, with a top-shelf sound and build, and very good value.