No woman is asleep so soundly that the sound of a guitar wouldn’t lure her to the window.Spanish proverb
MY PASSION IS BUILDING CLASSICAL GUITARS IN VARIOUS SIZES, TYPES AND SHAPES.
This includes multi-string guitars with up to 18 strings, instruments in a wide variety of tunings and sizes – from octave guitars to bass guitars. Crossover guitars and even archtop jazz guitars with nylon strings are also built in my workshop.
The ongoing challenge of designing new instruments and further developing existing concepts is my greatest motivation. For a long time, my focus was on the classical guitar; today, my particular specialty lies with the crossover guitar – an area in which my work has come to be recognized well beyond the borders of Austria over the years.
Since completing my apprenticeship as a “maker of bowed and plucked string instruments” in 1995, I have dedicated myself entirely to guitar building.
On the following pages, you will find information, images, and news from my workshop. I hope you enjoy browsing and exploring!
Federico Garcia Lorca
If one day I die, bury me with my guitar under the sands.
(1898 – 1936)
INSTRUMENTS
Anyone working in a creative and hands-on profession knows the feeling of deep connection to their creations. Each individual guitar tells its own story right from the beginning. My instruments are handcrafted and each one carries a piece of soul within it.
Since all my guitars are built predominantly by hand, many custom requests can be easily fulfilled. I always take into account the playing style and preferences of each guitarist. Accordingly, every instrument is crafted from suitable tonewoods and individually tailored. Ideally, the guitarist visits my workshop for a detailed consultation and picks up the instrument in person.
Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in my classical guitars or custom-made models. I’m a communicative person and truly value direct contact with my customers.
Your Guitar
For me, the “playing” of an instrument begins long before the first note is played – it begins with its creation. To achieve a harmonious result, the guitar maker must become one with his work. For me, this connection begins with the development of the concept, the design of the construction, and the careful selection of the right materials.
If you cannot find an instrument that matches your expectations in the “Marketplace” section of this website, you have the opportunity to commission a custom-made guitar, tailored to your personal wishes and preferences – an instrument crafted especially for you from the very beginning, with care and dedication.
The guitar is a small orchestra. It is polyphonic. Every string is a different color, a different voice.Andrés Segovia (1893 – 1987)
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Without music, life would be a mistake.
(1844 – 1900)
Testimonials
Many guitarists and friends have known me and my instruments for years. Some have even written a few words about them…
Here you’ll find comments and feedback from various musicians and personalities.
Workshop
”Playing” an instrument already begins while it is being created. In order to achieve the desired result, the instrument maker has to become one with his instrument. While I am conceptualizing the way the instrument will be constructed, and while searching for the right materials, I already identify myself closely with the emerging instrument.
The art of woodworking goes beyond pure structure, acoustics and handicraft. My ”game with the instrument” takes place in a cosy studio far away from the stress of the city. Taking time for what’s important, feelings from nature and the demands of performance, emotion and music are – all this is incorporated into guitars.
… True mastery is in the details and their organic fusion respectively creating harmony between sound construction, the best possible materials, contemporary designs and artisan craftsmanship. Daniel Zucali proves to have it all …Franz Holtmann
(Akustik Gitarre 2/2011)
Life
It was clear from a young age that my destiny was closely tied to music. Over time, however, it became apparent that my talents in craftsmanship were greater, and playing music took a backseat.
The fascination with music and everything related to it eventually led me to combine my craft skills with my love for music.
Several stages later, I opened my own workshop as a guitar maker. For a life with and for music, my constant creative development is an essential foundation. This lifelong “project” was truly realized with the title of master craftsman I was awarded and the decision to open my own workshop.
The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils; The motions of his spirit are dull as night, And his affections dark as Erebus. Let no such man be trusted.William Shakespeare
(1564 – 1616)
Willing is not enough; you must also act.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832)
Guitar building course
Do you want to not only own a new guitar, but also understand how it’s made? Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of guitar making, discover the unique characteristics of different tonewoods, and learn how construction, material selection, and handcrafted details make each instrument truly unique.
Join and actively shape the creation of your own guitar—from the very first piece of wood to the finished instrument, crafted entirely by your own hands.
I offer guitar-building courses under my personal guidance. As a master luthier with well over 30 years of professional experience, I will accompany you through every stage of building your own guitar—from the very first step to a fully playable instrument.
We do not use kits! From the very beginning, participants work directly on their own instrument and carry out every stage of the construction process by hand. Some components and machining operations are completed during the course in my machine workshop, including work on a CNC milling machine. However, all machinery is operated exclusively by me.
It´s not magic, it´s contract manufacturing. But it looks just as good in the End!my Philosophy
CNC – contract machining
I offer precise CNC contract machining on a powerful portal milling machine for individual parts, small batches, and custom special jobs. The working area of 1200 mm x 790 mm x 200 mm also allows reliable machining of larger workpieces.
The main materials processed are wood and plastics. With cutter diameters from 0.3 mm and a spindle speed of up to 24,000 rpm (2.2 kW), both extremely fine detail work and precise milling of larger parts are possible.
Knowledge does not come by reading but rather by thinking about the read.Carl Hilty
(1833 – 1909)
Media
Print media, television, articles, documentaries, reports, reviews, and music – all about or played on a ZUCALI guitar.
There’s plenty to discover here.
Past EVENTS
Hello!
Every year there are countless – and above all wonderful – events, but unfortunately I can only attend a few of them.
I’m often on the road, and usually with my instruments! I’m looking forward to hearing your music, meeting friends, and getting to know new and interesting people.
You’re warmly invited to arrange a meeting with me in advance. That way, I can make sure to give proper attention to everyone interested in my guitars.
Looking forward to seeing you!
If you are interested in some events that I have been a part of in the past, please feel free to take a look at some of them down below.
- Warm greetings from beautiful Haag,
- Daniel
