Oreste Lohs - 2025 - N.21

About the luthier

Oreste Lohs is a young guitar maker from northern Italy, based in Arco near Lake Garda. After taking classes with Daniele Chiesa, he developed a personal building philosophy rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and sensitivity to sound. He constructs only a small number of instruments each year, dedicating himself fully to each one. Lohs favors hand tools over machines, minimizing the use of electricity to maintain a direct connection with the wood. He has also drawn inspiration from Daniele Chiesa, one of the important contemporary figures of the Granadan school of guitar making. His guitars are built with a rigorous and careful approach, yet they are imbued with passion, for the instrument, for tradition, and for sound. Every detail is refined with sensitivity and precision, from the overall conception to the finishing touches. This blend of discipline and artistic vision results in guitars that embody a traditional voice while presenting a clear personal identity.

About the guitar

This instrument, No. 21 from 2025, exemplifies Lohs’s dedication to traditional guitar making. Built with a spruce soundboard and Indian rosewood back and sides, it is finished in French polish. At only 1375 grams, it is exceptionally light, echoing the ideals of the Granadan school, where lightness, clarity, and refined detail are paramount. The air resonance lies between G and G#, supporting a balanced and responsive tonal foundation. Alessi tuners complete the elegant setup. The sound is sweet, lyrical, and deeply expressive. Its response is quick and even, offering both projection and subtle color. The instrument is remarkably comfortable to play, supporting the guitarist with ease from the first touch. Visually striking and sonically captivating, this guitar represents an accomplished and personal statement from a young luthier whose work is already marked by refinement and originality. It is an excellent choice for players seeking a traditional, expressive concert guitar at an attractive stage in the maker’s career.