Robert Benedetto

ROBERT BENEDETTO is widely acknowledged as the world's foremost maker of archtop guitars. During his 33 years as a premier maker, he's crafted over 750 musical instruments -- including 460 archtops -- attaining an unrivaled level of skill and depth of understanding of the archtop guitar. "My roots are in jazz guitar. It's been my love and focus since Day One and still is", says Benedetto. Bringing the archtop to an unprecedented degree of refinement in both design and playability, his guitars are noted for their tonal balance, ease of playing and tasteful, elegant detailing.

His endorsers span three generations of world-renowned jazz guitarists, including Bucky Pizzarelli, Ron Eschete, Jimmy Bruno, Howard Alden, Cal Collins, Jack Wilkins, John Pizzarelli, Johnny Smith, Chuck Wayne, Martin Taylor, Joe Diorio, Adrian Ingram, Frank Vignola, Kenny Burrell, and Earl Klugh. Well-known guitarist Andy Summers recently joined the growing list of BENEDETTO PLAYERS. Profiled extensively in books and magazines, his legendary guitars appear on countless recordings, books, videos, TV, film and television soundtracks and at concerts, museums and jazz festivals worldwide. (He exhibited at last fall's celebrated guitar exhibit at the Smithsonian.)

Born in New York in October, 1946, Benedetto made his first archtop in 1968. His father and grandfather were master cabinetmakers; his uncles were gifted musicians and fine artists. Benedetto was playing guitar professionally by age 13, providing the basis for his now celebrated rapport with other guitar players. Benedetto is especially known for refining the 7-String guitar and is that unique model's most prolific maker. A prolific violinmaker as well, his instruments mingle with master Italian violins in orchestras worldwide. Jazz violinist extraordinaire Stephane Grappelli was so enamored as to purchase one in 1993.

An active maker and writer, he authored the landmark book Making an Archtop Guitar in 1994; his comprehensive instructional video, Archtop Guitar Design & Construction, produced in November 1996. Benedetto is the Archtop Guitar Construction Editor and "Guitar Maintenance" columnist for Just Jazz Guitar magazine and serves on the board of the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans. A member of NAMM and the GAL (Guild of American Luthiers), he endorses E&O Mari "La Bella" strings. Benedetto's first 30 years of archtop making are being documented by jazz guitar historian Adrian Ingram for a forthcoming biography.

In March of 1999, Benedetto signed a Design & Consulting Agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to redesign Guild Guitar's popular Artist Award and Stuart models and to have Benedetto models made at the Fender Custom Shop.

 www.benedetto-guitars.com