In this captivating episode of Life With Strings Attached, I had the privilege of visiting Giulio Negrini of GNG in his workshop in Switzerland. What began as a discussion about his extraordinary guitars soon evolved into an exploration of much more: the role of fantasy in our culture, the allure of thematically dark and morbid art, and the magical elements that bring instruments to life.

An Italian master luthier steeped in the Cremonese tradition of Stradivarius, Guarneri, and Amati, Giulio crafts each instrument with unparalleled precision and passion. While his guitars are meticulously designed to meet the needs of players, they are also visually breathtaking. Featuring intricate custom inlay work and bold finishes inspired by fantasy literature, each piece is as much a work of art as it is a musical tool.

Giulio has been a key contributor to every Boutique Guitar Showcase I’ve curated at The NAMM Show since its inception. Remarkably, his work continues to improve year after year, exceeding even the highest expectations.

This episode offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of a master luthier—not only to understand his craft but to explore the broader inspirations and philosophies that shape his art. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with one of the most innovative figures in modern guitar-making.