Hi Giacomo, thanks for your time for this interview. How did you became a luthier and why did you create a guitar brand?
I am Giacomo Berti luthier founder and owner of GB Luteria, since I started playing the guitar at the age of 12, I was looking for new sounds, emulating my idols, but also dedicated to the invention of technical innovations that went beyond from the rules of lutherie, studying I became an electronic expert and my curiosity spilled over to tube systems (building condenser microphones and tube preamp circuits in class A).
Over time I started working in a carpentry where I was able to refine everything related to machinery, painting cycles, woodworking and the knowledge of wood essences, the leap was inevitable and after 20 years of work as a carpenter I founded “GB Liuteria” where I tried to bring together all my skills and they make my models that combine innovation and tradition.
Can you tell us more about your workshop?
GB Liuteria is a very small company that directly follows each customer for his satisfaction!
How do you describe your guitar brand and which are the main features of your builds?
In my guitars I have designed some innovations that make them immediately recognisable and unique, the mounting system of the pick-ups from the back (MULTIPICK-UP SYSTEM), which allows a quick change.
Do you build everything from scratch or do you include other brands parts?
The pick-ups are made by me, and hand-wound, unique pieces at the customer’s request and accompanied by beautiful covers in tone with the guitar.
The sound is studied in coupling with the chosen woods and refined with the electronics. The electronics are made with top components, cables with military specifications in copper and silver etc …
Everything that is part of my guitars is made by me, even the knobs, excluding the bridge and mechanics, however, chosen from the best brands.
Do you take orders for custom guitars or do you prefer to work with your established models?
My models can be customised in all their aspects but if that were not enough I also accept custom projects. However I do not make guitars with pick-up mounting from the front.
In your perspective what is the most crucial element, or elements, for an awesome guitar build?
Despite this I have kept the traditional wooden construction with prestigious essences and all the knowledge learned in cabinet making!
What are the main diferences from your products to those out of a line of production?
On my guitars all the screws have been removed and replaced with quick access magnetic fasteners.
How can a customer order a guitar from GB Liuteria?
For all those wishing to deepen the subject, I invite you to visit our website Gbliuteria.com where you will find comprehensive explanations and captivating images.
Do you sell your instruments exclusively on your website or do you also sell on other platforms like facebook or reverb.com?
Our guitars can be ordered directly by e-mail (gbliuteria[a]gmail.com) after a quote with payment of a deposit equal to 30% of the list price. With balance on delivery including any discounts, or you can buy some models already made and ready for shipment on Reverb.com by searching for “GB Liuteria” in the search area of the site.
Can you share with us what are your plans for the future?
For the future we will try to consolidate our innovations and we will pay more and more attention to details and finishes by expanding the work with resins and precious materials, soon a 10-string and at least two models of electric basses
