Testimonials
Translation:
“Without music, life would be a mistake.”
Many guitarists and friends have known me and my instruments for years. Some have even written a few lines about them …
Here you can find comments and voices from various musicians and personalities.
Ohne Musik wäre das Leben ein Irrtum.Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844 – 1900)
Zucali’s guitars are full of sound and sport a wide range of exquisite tone colours, it is a pleasure to play such versatile instruments.Stephanie Jones
Stephanie Jones
Zucali’s guitars are full of sound and offer a wide range of exquisite tones. It is a pleasure to play such versatile instruments.”
Stephanie Jones is an “internet acquaintance”: Her YouTube videos have repeatedly caught my attention in a positive way, and finally, in May 2017, I was able to meet her in person. During this meeting, I could feel her passion for playing the guitar face-to-face … how she became one with one of my guitars.
Stephanie’s passion for music began at a very young age. Growing up as a multi-instrumentalist, she started with the piano and soon learned to play and appreciate the violin, viola, saxophone, and flute. Ultimately, however, it was the guitar with its enchanting tonal variety and wide range that became especially dear to her and accompanied her artistic growth most intensely. Since the end of 2015, Stephanie has been studying at the prestigious FRANZ LISZT University of Music in Weimar with Prof. Thomas Müller-Pering, working towards her Master of Music degree.
You can find out more about Stephanie Jones here:
Adam Rafferty
Adam Rafferty is known for his groove, his focused enthusiasm while playing music, and of course, always with a smile on his face. A man and his guitar …
Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Adam began playing guitar at the age of 6 with the now sadly deceased Woody Mann. At 12, he played hard rock, and at 15, he was cheated out of the payment for his first gig. At 18, he landed a gold record as a rapper with his band ‘Edelweiss.’
In 2006, he was so inspired by Tommy Emmanuel that he dove into the world of fingerstyle guitar, which ultimately helped Adam make a name for himself worldwide. Over 20 million views on his YouTube channel show his steadily growing popularity. For the past few years, Adam has been living near me, and over time, a friendship has slowly but surely developed … I always enjoy spending time with Adam!
You can find his online school at https://studywithadam.com
You can find out more about Adam here:
When I plugged this crossover model in, I was amazed to hear a wonderful nylon string sound. And when I saw the “rust finish” it reminded me of an elegant and artistic part of New York City called “Soho” known for it’s iron gates, art galleries and fashion boutiques. I already feel a new musical inspiration and a creative journey as a result of playing this one of a kind Zucali guitar.Thank you Daniel!Adam Rafferty
Die Zucali Crossover eignet sich für meine elektro-akustischen Performances unvergleichlich gut, denn solch eine naturgetreue Wiedergabe des akustischen Klangs über Pickup-System habe ich bisher nur sehr selten erlebt. Dieses Instrument scheint störende Rückkopplungen nicht zu kennen und gibt Alles und Mehr bei der Übertragung der perkussiven Klänge.Michael Koschorreck
Daniel Zucali hat sich über die verstärkte „Nylon-String“-Gitarre nicht nur Gedanken gemacht – er hat sie stark gemacht!
KOSHO
Translation:
“The Zucali Crossover is an incomparably fine instrument for my electro-acoustic performances, I have only rarely heard such a faithful reproduction of my natural sound through a pickup system. This instrument doesn’t seem to have any disturbing feedback issues, and goes above-and-beyond expectations in the delivery of percussive effects. Daniel Zucali has done much more than just amplify a nylon-string guitar – he has managed to generally strengthen the instrument.”
Michael Koschorreck, better known by his stage name ‚Kosho‘, skillfully merges various music genres and impresses with his distinctive style.
With decades of stage and studio experience, both solo and with internationally renowned musicians and bands such as André Heller, Nena, Xavier Naidoo, Les McCann, Söhne Mannheims, or in a duo with Augustin Wiedemann and since 2017 with Katja Ohde, he has matured into an expressive musician.
Kosho shares his extensive knowledge at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, the Vorarlberg State Conservatory, the Trossingen Academy, and at workshops both in Germany and abroad. Currently, there are over 150 CDs and film scores on which the Mannheim native can be heard as a guitarist. However, his signature as a Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter is most notably recognized on his three solo albums ‚All Sides Love‘, ‚Tinggal‘, and ‚Snapshot Music Box.‘”
You can find out more about Michael Koschorreck here:
彼の透明感あふれるギターの音色は、私が追い求める響きへの答えをもたらしてくれる素晴らしい香りを持っている。Kanahi Yamashita
彼のところを訪ね、彼が自身のギターから響かせる音色に対して抱く想いに魅了され、彼の集中、殊勝な努力、そして創作的なアイデアの数々を見聞きしたことは、深く私の印象に残っている。
Kanahi Yamashita
Translation:
“The varying transparency of his guitars creates the sound I yearn for. I visited Daniel Zucali and discussed the results he is striving to achieve with his guitars. I was deeply impressed by his concentration and could see the honorable effort and creative ideas he brings to his work.”
I had the pleasure of meeting the entire Yamashita family in Hungary during a concert, which they performed as the “Kazuhito Yamashita Family Quintet”. When they tried out my instruments, I experienced the fine musical sense that connects the family members.
Kanahi Yamashita was born in 1997 in Nagasaki (Japan). Early on, she began learning to play the guitar from her father, Kazuhito Yamashita, and her mother, Keiko Fujiie. Since her 2010 debut in Italy (9th Symphony of the New World), she has been giving solo concerts and is also a member of the “Kazuhito Yamashita Family Quintet”. In 2015, she performed with her father and the “Estonian National Symphony Orchestra” in the “Concerto for Two Guitars” by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, conducted by Alexander Prior. Kanahi currently resides in Berlin, where she studies singing, improvisation, composition, and guitar.
To find out more about Kanahi Yamashita, visit her Facebook page here:
Andrea de Vitis
Translation:
“It is always a pleasure to play a Zucali; they are very precise instruments with great volume, cantability, a lot of different colors, and extremely easy playability. The aim of this meticulous guitar construction is always the purity and beauty of the sound.”
Andrea and I have met again and again at several festivals. Each time we meet, we get to know each other better. Today, I not only value him as a musician, but also as a pleasant and open-minded friend.
When playing the guitar, he gives me a feeling of security. He plays even the most difficult sections of a piece of music with ease and musicality. Hearing him play is pure joy to me every time. At his concerts, the audience rewards him with standing ovations again and again.
After years of studying with Leonardo De Angelis, Paolo Pegoraro, Adriano Del Sal, and attending several masterclasses taught by world-famous guitarists, he has now won over 30 international competitions. As recognition for his artistic achievements, he received the “Golden Guitar Award” in 2013 as the best young guitarist at the “Concorso Internazionale di Chitarra Classica Michele Pittaluga.”
His debut album, “Colloquie with Andrés Segovia,” released by Andrea in 2015, has also earned great popularity and excellent reviews.
To find out more about Andrea De Vitis, visit his website here:
É un piacere suonare le chitarre Zucali, precisi strumenti dotati di ottimo volume, cantabilità, colori ed estrema comodità. Sono il risultato di una meticolosa costruzione, sempre perseguendo l’obiettivo della purezza e bellezza del suono.Andrea de vitis
Daniel has to be one of the most creative luthiers I have met. He always dreams up great designs, and I always look forward to seeing what he has in store next!Scott Tennant
Scott Tennant
Scott Tennant is one of the most recognized guitarists in the world and a founding member of the L.A. Guitar Quartet. Furthermore, he is an excellent educator and author. During my numerous travels through the world of guitars, our paths crossed several times, and I had the opportunity to get to know Scott Tennant personally.
This picture shows Scott Tennant with the 7-string Santino guitar, which was painted and refined by the artist Matthias Claudius Aigner.
To find out more about Scott Tennant, visit his Instagram page here:
Již delší dobu mám tu čest a radost , sledovat vývoj práce mého milého přítele Daniela. Daniel má velmi vzácnou uměleckou vizi a cit pro tvar a zvuk kytary. Nepřestává mne překvapovat svojim našením i samotnými nástroji. Pokladám Daniela za jednoho z nejoriginálnějších kytarářů naší současnosti.Pavel Steidl
Pavel Steidl
Translation:
“For a long time, I have had the honour of witnessing how the work of my dear friend Daniel has developed. He has a very fine artistic vision for the design and sound of his guitars. I consider him to be one of the most original luthiers of his time; he continually surprises me with his enthusiasm and his guitars.”
I really like Pavel Steidl, for he is always smiling as he travels the world. Our conversations are to the point, with well-chosen words and his wonderful sense of humour, which is ever-present and reflected in his music and virtuoso concert performances. It’s nice that our paths cross often.
In 1982, Pavel Steidl won first prize in the “Radio France International Competition” in Paris and became one of the most celebrated guitarists of his generation. Over the years, he has evolved into one of the most important performers of 19th-century music.
In addition to his wonderful solo concerts, where he also plays his own compositions, he is part of the world-famous European Guitar Quartet.
You can find out more about Pavel Steidl and his Quartet here:
Daniel Zucali’s Gitarren haben mich aus vielen Gründen verzaubert, doch der wohl wichtigste ist der Klangfarbenreichtum. Stimmtrennung passiert wie von selbst.Simon Riedlecker
Simon Riedlecker
Translation:
“The guitars by Daniel Zucali have enchanted me for various reasons. Most importantly, the rich and colorful tones. The separation of different tones happens almost on its own.”
I have known Simon since the opening of my workshop in 2008. He was just beginning his guitar studies. I am honored to call this admirable musician my friend. I had the privilege of witnessing Simon’s journey from a young guitar student to a virtuoso guitarist, crossing musical borders. His dedication and commitment to living for his calling always amazes me.
The background photograph shows Simon with his first Zucali guitar. To watch the video of him playing “Streets of Philadelphia,” click here.
He currently plays a Model Aline guitar made of apple tree wood, spruce, lattice-bracing, and a monitor sound hole in the side. This guitar can be heard in three wonderful recordings titled “Wirbelwind,” “Resurrection,” and “Swedish Folksong.”
To find out more about Simon Riedlecker, visit his website here:
Joachim Csaikl
Translation:
“The guitars by Daniel Zucali have enchanted me for various reasons. Most importantly, the rich and colourful tones. The separation of different tunes happens nearly on its own.”
Since 2005, Joachim has worked intensively on playing the contra guitar, its use in different styles, and the associated technical challenges.
Due to this work, our paths have crossed, and a fruitful cooperation has developed. When planning the contra guitar Santone 54-17, created in 2017, Joachim incorporated all his expertise into the design of the instrument, ensuring that it also meets the modern requirements of a guitarist.
To find out more about Joachim Csaikl, visit his website here:
… Daniels Gitarren zeugen von großem Fachwissen, klingen klar und differenziert, mit der nötigen Wärme in den Mitten und Bässen und spiegeln ständig Grenzüberschreitungen wieder.Joachim Csaikl
Julio Azcano
Translation:
“Meeting and getting to know Daniel Zucali was truly inspiring. The results of his remarkable experience are truly excellent instruments.”
It was only in 2015 that I had the opportunity to see the Eos Guitar Quartet live. What I heard was absolutely convincing and beautiful. Hence, it was time to meet the individual members personally. Julio had only recently become a member of the quartet.
As a soloist and in a cross-cultural dialogue with musicians from different backgrounds, he has shared the stage with such luminaries as Dino Saluzzi, Leo Brouwer, and Carmen Linares.
His concert career has been enriched by duos with Latin Grammy award-winning Quique Sinesi, violinist Volker Biesenbender, tango double bassist Juan Pablo Navarro, saxophonist Javier Girotto, and jazz guitarist Sid Jacobs.
This picture shows Julio Azcano with the 7-string Santino guitar, which was painted and refined by the artist Matthias Claudius Aigner.
To find out more about Julio Azcano, visit his website here:
Conocer a Daniel Zucali y sus guitarras fue realmente inspirador. Sus instrumentos son el excelente resultado de una experiencia notable!Julio Azcano
Daniel Zucalis Gitarren sind handwerklich auf allerhöchstem Niveau gefertigt. Die beiden lattice bracing Gitarren der Modellreihe Aline erinnern mich von ihrer Ausgeglichenheit her an einen Steinway Flügel. Über das gesamte Griffbrett ist das Sustain ausgeglichen, kein Ton klingt lauter als der Andere. Jeder Akkord ist glasklar hörbar und trotzdem empfinde ich die Gitarren als “seidig” in ihrer Klangfarbe. Es sind genau diese Eigenschaften die ich mir als Gitarrist wünsche.Michael Winkler
Michael Winkler
Translation:
“Daniel Zucali’s guitars are built to the very highest standards. The tone balance and response of both lattice-braced guitars from the Aline Series are reminiscent of Steinway concert grand pianos. The sustaining power over the entire range of the instrument is also perfectly consistent, with no note sounding louder than any other. Despite the absolutely crystal-clear quality of every chord, the sound characteristics of these guitars come across as silk-like in texture and colour. As a guitarist, these are precisely the qualities I look for.”
Michael Winkler is a member of the Eos Guitar Quartet, which I first heard live in 2015. The concert was richly contrasted, completely convincing, and wonderful to hear. Not only that, but I also had the privilege of getting to know the quartet members as individuals.
Michael is a virtuoso who crosses all the borders defining the worlds of classical, jazz, and world music. He has a passion for Bach, as his CD “Michael Winkler plays J.S. Bach” indisputably proves. Alongside his engagements with the Eos Guitar Quartet, Michael gives concerts not only as a soloist but also with, among others, the singer Andreas Winkler, with whom he plays Scottish and Celtic ballads, as well as whisky songs. The steel-string guitar is an essential part of his musical life, and he accompanies a variety of pop singers using this very instrument. He teaches guitar in Zurich and at the Conservatory in Winterthur.
To find out more about Michael Winkler, visit his website here:
Duo Siqueira Lima
Translation:
“It was a great surprise for us to meet the luthier Daniel Zucali. We tried out a few of his models and can only emphasize that all his instruments are of the absolute highest quality. His perfectionism and passion enable him to continuously come up with new innovations. The results are amazing, both in terms of aesthetics and sound. It was a fantastic experience to play his guitars.”
The Siqueira Lima Duo consists of Cecilia Siqueira (born in Uruguay) and Fernando de Lima (born in Minas Gerais, Brazil). Together they form a unit rarely seen in a duo. Their Latin-American rhythms, combined with ease and joy, make it nearly impossible to remain seated during a performance.
The picture in the background shows Cecilia with a Santino Terz and Fernando with a Terz Classic guitar of mine.
Find out more about Cecilia Siqueira and Fernando de Lima’s guitars here:
Para nosotros fué una gran sorpresa conocer al luthier Daniel Zucali. Experimentamos vários de sus modelos de construcción y podemos afirmar que en todos ellos alcanza un nivel máximo de calidad. Su perfeccionismo y pasión lo llevan a innovar constantemente, obteniendo resultados sorprendentes y únicos desde la parte estética hasta la calidad sonora. Una fantástica experiencia tocar en sus guitarras!Duo Siqueira Lima
Daniel Zucali’s guitars are beautiful instruments, combining fine craftsmanship with attention to detail and innovative design. He is equally at home with historically inspired instruments, as with modern concert guitars. I cannot recommend his instruments enough!Harold Gretton
Harold Gretton
I met Harold in Mikulov during the 2011 Guitar Festival, and we have remained in contact ever since. A native of Australia, Harold has gained international recognition by winning numerous competitions. His solo performances are truly impressive, and he also plays wonderful concerts with his Duo Amythis, alongside his wife Veronique van Duurling.
To find out more about Harold Gretton, visit his website here:
Daniel Zucali ist für mich ein innovativer grenzüberschreitender Gitarrenbauer. Seine Instrumente verfügen über einen eigenen klanglichen und ästhetischen Ausdruck und sind sehr “körperlich” im besten Sinne. Sie verfügen über enorme Klangfarben und eine unglaubliche Dynamik – für mich sehr inspirierend …Claus Boesser Ferrari
Claus Boesser Ferrari
Translation:
“To me, Daniel Zucali is an innovative and border-crossing luthier. His instruments resonate with a distinct and aesthetic sound that has a full body. Very inspiring to me, they offer unbelievable tone variation and dynamics.”
Even though Claus Boesser-Ferrari is known for his performances on a steel-string guitar, our paths cross quite frequently. He is also very comfortable on a classical guitar, and every time we meet, he takes one of my instruments to tell a musical story of his own.
This picture shows Claus Boesser-Ferrari with the Aline guitar model.
To find out more about Claus Boesser-Ferrari, visit his website here:
Las guitarras de Daniel Zucali producen un sonido con profundidad y significado, tienen un volumen ideal para cualquier sala de conciertos.Cecilio Perera
Cecilio Perera
Translation:
“Daniel Zucali’s guitars produce a sound with depth, sonority, and volume that can fill any concert hall.”
Cecilio is one of the most famous guitarists from Mexico and a winner of numerous competitions. Now residing in Austria, he shares his knowledge and expertise as a pedagogue with Austrian students.
To find out more about Cecilio Perera, visit his Instagram page here:
La guitare bariton de Daniel Zucali est un des plus incroyables instruments que j’ai jamais joués. Elle ne sonne comme aucune autre et le premier contact est comme si vous l’aviez toujours eu dans les mains. L’intonation est parfaite, et elle vous fait sonner comme un bassiste jouant du luth médiéval dans un ensemble de guitares contemporaines. Un bon instrument donne le meilleur qu’il a, celui-ci vous fera donner le meilleur de vous …Bob Bonastre
Bob Bonastre
Translation:
“The baritone guitar by Daniel Zucali is one of the most incredible instruments I have ever played. Its sound is incomparable. My first feeling was as if I had always held it in my arms. The tone is perfect, and it makes you sound as though you were playing a medieval lute in a contemporary jazz ensemble! A fine instrument that gives the best it has. This guitar makes you give your best.”
Bob Bonastre was born in Senegal (Africa). At the age of 15, he fell in love with the guitar and has been faithful to it ever since. I am delighted that Bob was invited to the Guitar Festival in Hersbruck in 2011. This gave us the opportunity to meet and make music together throughout the night. I look forward to meeting him again at the next possible opportunity …
The picture in the background shows Bob Bonastre with the Santino model guitar.
To find out more about Bob Bonastre, visit his website here: