ACOUSTIC GUITAR VILLAGE

inside Cremona Musica International Exhibitions and Festival – CREMONA FAIR

22nd-23rd-24th September  2023

LUTHERIE MASTERCLASS FOR ACOUSTIC GUITAR

Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th September 2023

Masterclass room 1 of the Cremona Fair offices

Teachers: Master luthiers LEO BUENDIA (Argentina) and TREVOR GORE (Australia)
Translation and assistance by luthiers Max Monterosso and Mirko Borghino

Cost of 250,00 euros

PROGRAM:

Master luthier LEO BUENDIA
Leo Buendia comes from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has always been animated by a deep conviction in the value of music and artistic craftsmanship. With the perspective and experience of a musician, he began his luthier career in his hometown of Buenos Aires, moving years later to Oakland, California to specialize in building high-end steel-string acoustic guitars and attending as an apprentice for 40 months the famous luthier Ervin Somogyi. At the end of this long period alongside Somogyi he founded Buendia Guitars, starting to satisfy many professional guitarists with excellent instruments both in sound and in aesthetics. Everyone is touched by Leo’s aesthetic, from the perfection of the headstock to the relief carved into the Brazilian rosewood bridge above the saddle; in all these details you can absolutely feel how much passion and art the instruments he produces are built.
https://buendiaguitars.com/

The Modern Guitar: Design & Aesthetics
Friday 22^nd, from 10am to 1pm:
Tonewoods in Guitars – Tonewood Selection and Evaluation 
This is a hands-on workshop divided into three stages. First, I will briefly lecture on the structure and nature of wood. The second stage involves hands-on exercises for noticing and becoming aware of specific significant characteristics of tonewoods. The third stage involves relating these characteristics to tap tones and sound producing potential of the woods. 

Saturday 23^rd from 10am to 1pm:
Guitar design and physics of the guitar’s neck and Head
This masterclass is oriented toward creating successful body contours. The shape of the guitar body: the bouts and the positive use of the waist. Scale length: the basics for layout and proportion. Bridge hight. Guitar cutaway. 

Sunday 24^th, from 10am to 1pm:
Custom-made ornamentations, rosette and Inlays
This masterclass refers to the overall look at the guitar as a whole. It concerns how its various elements combine together and are arranged in concordance with an existing criterion of taste, proportion, and fashion. This masterclass will cover, among other topics, the designing of a headstock. Endgraft decorations. Back-of-the-neck inlays. Fretboard inlays. Bound fingerboards. Binding and purfling. Designing and inlaying a rosette. Hand-carved rosettes, end graft, and headstock. 

Master luthier TREVOR GORE
Trevor Gore hails from Sydney, Australia and is a builder of both classical and acoustic guitars.
Graduated from Durham and Cambridge, UK, has been interested in guitars for 50 years and has been building them for 25 years. He has been a guitar design instructor for 14 years and author of the groundbreaking book “Contemporary Acoustic Guitar Design and Build”. When he builds guitars he tries to understand music, mode to play and needs of the future guitarist buyer. Together with the musician he discusses the options available for building an instrument that places the minimal impediment between him and his repertoire. Specific pieces of the woods chosen on the basis are selected to their measured acoustic properties and, using the design techniques that Trevor has developed, the thickness of the soundboard and the back and the dimensions and the distribution of the risers that will provide the sought sound.
His guitars are built with a very clear understanding of the interplay between resonances of the strings and the resonances of the guitar body, the resonances of the air and the resonances of the wood. So his theory is that if you don’t tune the body resonances in the right place as part of the design and construction process, you have a guitar that never sounds right in tune. This is what distinguishes and creates the diversity of its tools from many others.
https://goreguitars.com.au/

How to control the sound of guitars
Whole course summary:

• How string and plates vibrate
• Visualising and understanding modes of vibration
• Relating modes of vibration to guitar frequency response curves (FRCs)
• Measuring frequency response curves
• Relating frequency response curves to generic guitar types (modern and tradition classical, steel string rhythm, steel string finger picking)
• Introduction to theory of modal vibrations
• Mechanical impedance and admittance
• Responsiveness and monopole mobility
• Targeting the “right” modal frequencies and avoiding the wrong ones
• Measuring material properties so that you can make the best of the wood you have rather than wishing for the wood you’d like
• Practical tuning of guitar modes:  Moving from “as built” to “to design”

Friday 22nd, from 2pm to 5pm:
Fundamentals of Guitar Acoustics

• Making waves on strings
• Calculating the shape of the moving string
• Forces exerted on soundboards by a moving string
• The nature of waves on plates, vibration of plates
• Visualising modes of vibration using Chladni patterns
• How Chladni patterns relate to guitar frequency response curves
• Setting up Visual Analyser and measuring frequency response curves
• Characteristic responses of different guitar types

Saturday 23rd, from 2pm to 5pm:
Resonance, Vibration Sensitivity and Measuring material properties

• The nature of vibrations
  • Introduction to Simple Harmonic Motion
  • The natural response of spring/mass systems
  • Resonance
• Vibration sensitivity
  • Response curve for a simple driven oscillator
  • Admittance and Impedance
  • What makes a responsive guitar and how to measure that
  • Adding “allure” to your instruments
• Coupling of components
  • coupled vibrations
• Selecting targets
  • mode frequencies
  • the spread of mode frequencies
• Measuring material properties
  • Flexural rigidity
  • Measuring brace material
  • Measuring plate material

Sunday 24th, from 2pm to 5pm:
Achieving your target performance – moving from “as built” to “to design”

• Principles of resonance shifting
  • Efficient guitars – only move a resonance if it’s giving a problem
  • Adding/subtracting mass/stiffness
  • How to influence one mode and not another
• Process of resonance shifting
  • Assessing the problem using the tests we have studied
  • “Levers”: Edge thinning, bridge mass/stiffness, back plate, side masses, hole size
  • Adjusting the main air resonance – example
  • Adjusting the main top resonance – example
  • Adjusting other problematic resonances

Masterclass in mandolin specialisation

Sunday 24th September 2023 from 10am to 12:30pm
Masterclass room 2 of the Cremona Fair offices

Teacher: Master CARLO AONZO (IT)

Bring your technique to the upper level thanks to the revolutionary exercises of independence and syncrhonism created by Carlo Aonzo.
Short description: what are your strength elements to be developed? What are your technical gaps to be filled and in which way? Find it out by participating in our specialising session

Cost of 50,00 euros
info and registration: giulia.alliri@gmail.com
info@accademiamandolino.com

Master CARLO AONZO
Carlo Aonzo is a worldwide known Italian mandolin performer, teacher at the Conservatories of Bari and Ferrara and winner of several prestigious awards; during his long career he has played in all continents for such institutions as the Philharmonic Orchestra of La Scala in Milan, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Teatro Massimo V. Bellini of Catania, the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra (Italy), the Carnegie Hall of New York, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra (USA), the McGill Chamber Orchestra in Montreal (Canada), the Philharmonia of San Petersburg (Russia), the Minsk Chamber Soloists (Belarus), the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival (Germany).
Carlo is often invited as musical director and visiting faculty by the most important international mandolin institutions namely the Classical Mandolin Society of America, the Federation of Australasian Mandolin Ensemble, the European Guitar and Mandolin Association, the Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp (Tennessee), the River of the West Mandolin Camp (Oregon), the Zupfmusik-verband Schweiz (Switzerland), the Mandolin Festival in Berlin, the Saigon Guitar Festival, the Goa Mando Fest (India), the Osaka International Mandolin Competition (Japan), the Yasuo-Kuwahara Competition Schweinfurt (Germany) and he regularly teaches seminars and workshops worldwide.
Since 2000 he leads his annual “Carlo Aonzo Mandolin Workshop” in New York and Milwaukee In 2006 he creates the International Italian Mandolin Accademia that he is still successfully directing and constantly expanding with new activities among which the production in 2020 of the short-documentary series “L’Italia dei 1000 Mandolini” (the 1000 mandolins of Italy) on the mandolin and its fascinating world. He has released several albums covering different musical genres, made research on the history of his instrument collaborating also with the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians and published for MelBay, Hal Leonard (USA) and Les Productions d’Oz (Canada). He often appears in national Radio and TV programs in Italy and abroad, he has recently toured Japan, USA, Australia, India, Switzerland, France and Norway and has lately begun to play in duo with the grand master pianist Bruno Canino.
www.carloaonzo.com
www.accademiamandolino.com

Didactic material: All the necessary material will be provided in advance in digital format.

“NEW SOUNDS OF ACOUSTIC MUSIC”, 2023

Young guitarists contest, open to fingerstylists, acoustic bands, inside Acoustic Guitar Village 2023.

The contest will take place inside the Acoustic Guitar Village in Cremona Musica on Friday September 22nd, Live Stage 2 outside the pavilion of the AGV

Performers:
Mattia Fiore, Alessandra Formica, Tommaso Doglia, Ivan Ruggeri, Alvise Nodale, Luca Valenti, Tamì, Stefano Migneco, “Drastic Over” (band), Alessandro Cescutti & Matteo Accaria (band)

 Jury formed by:
Andrea Carpi (Fingerpicking.net), Reno Brandoni (Fingerpicking.net), Marino Vignali (ADGPA), Martina Gozzini (Miniera Acustica), Matteo Bergamini (Taylor Guitars), Letizia Canale (Acus-sound), Jackie Perkins (songwriter), Alberto Grollo (guitarist), Chris Jenkins (luthier), Alessio Ambrosi- Sara Kismet Del Bubba Acoustic Guitar Village (Armadillo Club)

The best  performers will win musical instruments and accessories offered by Taylor Guitars, Acus-sound Engineering and other musical instruments companies.

Welcome to the New Sounds of Acoustic Music in Cremona!

Event dedicated to the mandolin, the little-great string instrument.

Artistic Direction by M. Carlo Aonzo with the collaboration and the historical advice of M. liutaio Lorenzo Frignani.
Coordinated by Alessio Ambrosi e Ass. Cult. Armadillo APS

• Conference – meetings inside the Events Area of the AGV and the Ponchielli Hall
• Desk for disclosure of mandolin activities
• Presentation and performances of orchestras and plucked ensembles on the Open Stage outside the pavilion and on the Classic Stage (Ponchielli Hall)
  
  The conferences, workshops and live exhibitions are free to participate with an entrance ticket to Cremona Musica.

SPECIAL EVENT: “CHARANGO PRESENTE!”

Meetings, performances, seminars, presentations starring the Charango, the small 10-string Latin American instrument. Coordination by Monique Mizrahi with the presence and activities of Achille Zoni, Mario Cardona, Valentina Badoino, Nicola Miele. Desk with exhibition of tools and presentation of the activities of the organization charango.it.
Sunday 24th September on the external Live Stage, from 11am to 1pm “Concerto Dialogato” in which the public will be able to listen to the charango live, with interactions and arrangements made specifically to show the kaleidoscopic sonic possibilities of this small and powerful instrument.

HISTORICAL EXHIBITIONS (inside the Exhibition Area Acoustic Guitar Village)

Historical exhibition “Sound Essences, stories of trees, woods and guitars” by the master luthiers Leonardo Petrucci and Martina Gozzini in collaboration with Rivolta Family

Historical Exhibition “The Guitar Lutherie from Bergamo” by the master luthier Lorenzo Frignani. On display will be historic guitars from the Bergamo and Brescia schools

Exhibition “Music is our Life” ethnical instruments exhibition by the collectors M° Bruno Brunetti.
On display are necked ethnic string instruments, both plucked and bowed

CONFERENCES-WORKSHOPS-PRESENTATIONS (Events Area AGV)

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd
from 4pm to 4:45pm: “The journey of the Charango: stories and cultures of a nomadic instrument”, by Achille Zoni and Mario Cardona

from 5pm to 6pm:Presentation of the book “Giovanni Battista Maldura and the invention of the Roman mandolin”, by Lorenzo Lippi and Donatella Melini, moderated by the journalist Nicola Pedone

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd
from 10:30am to 11am: Presentation of the new CD of the guitarist Christian Saggese “Little masterworks for guitar – Ferdinando Carulli 20 studies for guitar”, edited by DOTGUITAR, with the partecipation of the guitarist Edin Karamazov

from 12am to 12,45pm:  “Techonology in a Traditional Workshop: what we gain, what we lose and what we learn” by Joe Glaser,  of Glaser Instruments, Nashville Tennessee, repair shop focusing on the pro-players

from 12:45pm to 1:30pm:Round Table “The mandolin: towards a common vision between musicians and luthiers”, moderated by Lorenzo Frignani

from 3:15pm to 4pm: “More than 140 years in guitar making”, history of a large family business and presentation of the Sencillo 140 anniversary, edited by Amalia Ramirez.
Amalia Ramírez will talk about her great-grandfather, José Ramírez I, who entered the workshop of his master, Francisco González, in 1870 at the age of 12. In 1882 he founded his workshop after the death of González and taught his son José Ramírez II and his little brother Manuel Ramírez de Gallareta. He will talk about Manuel Ramírez, when he became independent from his brother, then about his grandfather JR II thanks to whom it was possible to continue to preserve this precious legacy, as well as about his father JR III and the importance of his research taking Andres Segovia as a guide, marking a big step in the evolution of the guitar and transforming it into an orchestra capable of transmitting a wide palette of colors, so that the guitarist could express himself. She will then talk about her brother JR IV and his contributions as well as her personal work, one of the first female luthiers, following the path of the ancestors. Today the tradition continues with the active and precious collaboration of the nephews Cristina and José Enrique Ramírez, a team that renews this family business and presents new models such as the line that celebrates 140 years of activity, in production right now

from 4pm to 4:45pm: Conference “The Brazilian Mandolin: the Bandolin and the Choro”, host by the Brazilian musician and ethnomusicologist Paulo Sà.
– Origins and main characteristics – Technique and repertoire – The study of the Bandolim in Brazil – Tradition and modernity in Bandolim and Choro
– the Choro as a style and musical genre – New trends – The importance of the Bandolim in choro – Performance and brief analysis of three Choros played on Bandolim – Form, common rhythms, how rhythms are written and how they should be played, accompaniment, embellishments and improvisation in choro

from 4:45pm to 5:30pm: Presentation of the book “Real Modern Guitar” edited by Edizioni Volonté & Co, with the partecipation of Riccardo Galardini, musician, composer, arranger and teacher of great fame

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24th
from 10:30am to 11:15am: Conference “The new line of Aquila Corde Armoniche, products and special offers for the ukulele” host by Mimmo Peruffo, Aquila Corde Armoniche

from 11:30am to 12:15pm: “Using good Science to Build Great Guitars”, host by the American luthier Chris Jenkins, Lame Horse Instruments
We will discuss and demonstrate some easy, but very effective ways, to apply a little bit of science to the process of building a guitar. These methods will help insure consistency in getting the desired results in the finished instrument. We will focus on material selection, making adjustments to the materials and components during the building process, as well as evaluating the assembled instrument, and how we can adjust it after it is assembled 

from 12:15pm to 1:15pm: Conference “David Crosby Memorial”, memories, stories, testimonials in the presence and on video of friends and expert connoisseurs of the great American guitarist and author, who recently passed away. Host by Francesco Lucarelli with the participation of Andrea Carpi, Alessio Ambrosi, Reno Brandoni, Alberto Grollo, Jeff Pevar, Happy Traum and other guests. Francesco Lucarelli will present the recently created book “Music is Love”

from 2pm to 2:45pm: Conference by Giuliano Nicoletti Iulius Guitars “Techniques for measuring and fine-tuning the sound of the acoustic guitar”
How to measure the sound produced by the guitars you build or play? How to intervene to model its performance, or to solve problems of resonances, or wolf notes? This conference explores the new measurement and evaluation techniques of the acoustic instrument, highlighting with practical examples the most important parameters that determine its sound, timbre, and playing experience. To support both the contemporary luthier and the passionate musician, to better understand the methods of sound production of the acoustic instrument and the possibilities of intervention to optimize its performance or intervene on defects

CONFERENCES-WORKSHOPS-PRESENTATIONS (inside the Classic Stage, internal room “Ponchielli”)

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd
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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd
from 10am to 12am: “The journey continues … an encounter with Andean music through the magic of the Charango”
The goal of this workshop is to bring participants closer to the rhythms and sounds of the South American Andean area. We will incorporate a repertoire of some genres such as the Huayno, the Bailecito and the Cueca, and their characteristic elements related to the Andean culture and the Andean cosmovision, sharing the context in which these musical genres develop.
The music will be broadcast in a popular way, through listening and participation. Everyone is welcome to bring their own instruments and be inspired. Presenting: Mario Cardona, Fabián Durán, Monique Mizrahi and Achille Zoni

from 3pm to 6pm: 6th Conference “The Guitar in 19th century”, historical contextualization of the Italian instrument in European development”, host by master Francesco Taranto with the collaboration of the Conservatory “Gaetano Braga” of Teramo

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24th
from 10:45am to 11:30am: “Ukulele lutherie meets innovation: the research of Albini and Verginelli”
Giovanni Albini, ukulelist and teacher in Alessandria of the first ukulele course in an Italian conservatory, and author of seminars in the most prestigious venues including the Juilliard in New York and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, will showcase the latest instruments born from the constant research of luthier Francesco Verginelli, a refined innovator in the field of ukulele lutherie

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES 

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd

AUDITORIUM OF THE MUSEUM OF THE VIOLIN
From 9pm Special Night with performances of:
LUCA ZANETTI (accordion)
ROBERTO FABBRI (Ramirez Guitars)
Presentation and Cremona Musica Award to AMALIA RAMIREZ
CARLO AONZO (mandolin)
CHRISTIAN SAGGESE & EDIN KARAMAZOV (guitars and lute)

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd

PHOTO GALLERY: