MODERN BUILDER VAULT
Swiss luthier Claudio Pagelli celebrates 30 years of guitar building in 2009. From his workshop
looking out on the Swiss Alps, Pagelli creates his unique and beautifully stylish instruments, often
co-designed with his wife and business partner, Claudia Pagelli. Pagelli guitars have a reputation for
warmth, sustain and high playability, as much as for craftsmanship and high design. Congratulations
and happy anniversary!
The Gitane Nouveaux Gypsy model:
Gypsy-style done Pagelli’s way, this guitar shocked traditionalists at the Django
Reinhardt Memorial (a Gypsy guitar conference in Augsburg), but Django’s nephew,
David Reinhardt, immediately endorsed
it. With a Swiss Alpine spruce top and
flamed European maple back and sides,
it’s a stunning asymmetrical creation. The
fingerboard is Indian rosewood, and the
headstock plate, bridge and tailpiece are
all ebony. Built in 2005.
Pagelli’s Ultra Zero Reduced Three
Octave Comfort Balanced Body
Fretless Bass (with Hyper Access) or
U.Z.R. T.O.C.B.B.F.B (H.A.!) or simply, The Golden Fretless Bass. The
ebony fretboard is one piece from
top to bottom on a mahogany
neck and body. The finish is a thin
layer of real gold, processed with
acid to give it a rusted iron look.
Electronics are custom made by
Schertler. Built in 1997.
190 PREMIER GUITAR SEPTEMBER 2009
