1915-Mozzani Chitarra-Lyra(Harp Guitar)-The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Luigi Mozzani (Italian, 1869–1943)
Chitarra-Lyra, or Harp Guitar, ca. 1915
Maple, spruce, ebony; 17 1/2 x 33 in. (44.5 x 83.8 cm)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, The Jonathan & Faye Kellerman Foundation Gift, 2008 (2008.356)
The chitarra-lyra was a type built by the luthier Luigi Mozzani in Cento in the early twentieth century. Mozzani, a noted guitarist, copied the form from the earlier builder Friedrich Schenk, who made similar instruments as early as the 1830s. This remarkable instrument has six strings over a fretted fingerboard with three open bass strings. The floating fingerboard can be adjusted with screws that are accessible from the back of the instrument. Mozzani was the instructor of the luthier Mario Maccaferri, who would later own this guitar.
Produced: 1915
Serial Number: N/A
Comments:
Page 20 of the Guitar Heroes Catalog describes this instrument as previously belonging to Mario Maccaferri
Luigi Mozzani “Chitarra-Lyra” Lyre Harp Guitar formerly the personal instrument of Mario Maccaferri, c. 1910
Luigi Mozzani “Chitarra-Lyra” Model Lyre Harp Guitar, c. 1910, made in Cento, Italy, natural top, dark stained back and sides finish, figured maple back and sides, spruce top, ebonized neck, black tolex hard shell case.
Overall length is 33 in. (83.8 cm.), 17 1/2 in. (44.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 20 1/2 in. (521 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.). Excellent Condition.
