Life
It was clear from a young age that my destiny was closely tied to music. Over time, however, it became apparent that my talents in craftsmanship were greater, and playing music took a backseat.
The fascination with music and everything related to it eventually led me to combine my craft skills with my love for music.
Several stages later, I opened my own workshop as a guitar maker. For a life with and for music, my constant creative development is an essential foundation. This lifelong “project” was truly realized with the title of master craftsman I was awarded and the decision to open my own workshop.
The one who has no music within him, who is not touched by the harmony of sweet sounds is only good for betrayal, robbery and trickery…never trust such a one!William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)
Daniel Zucali
I was born in 1977 as the second of five children into a musical family in the Bregenzerwald (Vorarlberg, Austria) and was surrounded by music from a young age. Each of my siblings learned to play an instrument, and I chose the flute and guitar.
During my years at the music secondary school, I focused on the guitar. Due to my special connection with this instrument, I decided after graduation to pursue training at a woodworking school.
There, I learned a great deal about materials and craftsmanship related to string and plucked instruments.
The worldwide reputation of Bubenreuth and its instrument makers eventually drew me to Germany.
It was a good decision, as here I mastered the skills required for the profession of a guitar maker. Moreover, I was able to acquire additional knowledge, directly apply it in my work, and continuously refine and perfect my craft.
A year off in Mexico, where I lived, worked, and experienced different ways of life, proved to be a blessing for my further path. I consciously decided once again to pursue a life with guitars and passed my master craftsman exam.
Earlier ideas evolved, and new instruments emerged.
In order to give these ideas the space they needed for realization, I became self-employed after 17 years of professional experience. Also, since I became a proud father in 2006, it was time for me to stand on my own two feet.
Finally, I now have the opportunity to fully focus on my guitars and realize my dreams and visions. Thus, a new chapter in my life began at the start of 2008.
It is not about giving life more days, but rather give the days more life.Cicely Saunders 1918 – 2005
Stages of life
1987 to 1991
Music Secondary School HS12 in Linz Harbach (Austria)
1991 to 1995
Woodworking School in Hallstadt (Austria) with a degree as a String and Plucked Instrument Maker
1996 to 2001
Apprentice at Hanika Guitar Building Company in Baiersdorf (Germany)
2001 to 2002
Stay in Mexico to experience the country, its people, and traditions
2003
Completion of the Master Craftsman Exam for Plucked Instrument Making as the Best Graduate of the Year
2003 to 2007
Workshop Manager at Hanika Company in Baiersdorf (Germany)
2008
Opening of my own workshop at Miedlhof in Strengberg, Lower Austria
2012
Opening of the new workshop in Stadt Haag, Lower Austria
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.Confucius (551 – 479 B.C.)
Inspiration
Life itself is a well of inspiration for me. Whether it’s during my daily breakfast, listening to music, playing with my children, or on one of my travels – I find new ideas for my work everywhere.
New perspectives on how to approach the construction of a guitar often arise from the creative process itself. The more open and curious I am, the easier inspiration finds me all on its own.
You never should be too busy to have time to ponder over things.