Giannini Serie classica gwnc1/7 "sevilha"

The violão de sete cordas — the Brazilian seven-string guitar — is the rhythmic and harmonic backbone of choro, samba, and MPB. Sitting behind the melody instruments, the seventh string (typically tuned to a low B or A) allows the accompanist to voice rich bass lines, walking tenths, and the sophisticated counterpoint that defines the genre. Luthier-built sete cordas from Brazil can command prices of $5,000 and up; this Giannini Série Clássica occupies a rare and useful middle ground — a purpose-built Brazilian seven-string with a solid cedar top and all the correct traditional appointments, at a fraction of the cost.

Giannini is the oldest and most storied guitar company in Brazil. Founded in 1900 by Tranquillo Giannini — an Italian luthier from Lucca, Tuscany, who arrived in São Paulo in 1896 — the company began as a small artisanal workshop building handmade instruments before growing into one of the largest guitar manufacturers in South America. Over 125 years, Giannini has been part of the fabric of Brazilian musical life across virtually every genre, from classical and choro to bossa nova, MPB, and rock. The Série Clássica represents their upper production tier: instruments designed for serious players rather than beginners, with proper tonewoods and traditional construction.

This example is from the GWNC1/7 Sevilha family — Giannini's dedicated sete cordas classical model — built in Brazil with a solid red cedar top, pau ferro (morado) back, sides, fingerboard, and bridge, a cedar neck with adjustable truss rod, and gold engraved open-gear tuners with pearloid buttons in the correct 4+3 seven-string configuration. The pau ferro is particularly attractive, showing rich brown coloration and natural figuring throughout. A traditional Greek-key style rosette and decorative multi-ply purfling complete the presentation. The guitar is equipped with an undersaddle pickup and 1/4" output jack — ready for amplified performance straight out of the case. A transparent tap plate/golpeador protects the cedar top for more vigorous Brazilian playing styles. Bone nut (original) and new bone saddle.

The tone is clear and resonant — immediate cedar warmth on top, with the sustain and projection of pau ferro below. An accessible and authentically configured instrument for the guitarist looking to explore the Brazilian seven-string tradition.

Condition: Very good to excellent. No cracks. Light playing and finish wear consistent with a used instrument. Please see photographs.