This is one of those guitars that makes writing up a test easy for me. Some instruments, when they land in my hands, tell me nothing, regardless of whether they’re better or worse made, because their sound goes unnoticed by me. With the Maranello, it’s exactly the opposite. It’s one of those instruments that feels comfortable in my hands, and vice versa. Full of arguments for bringing out the feel of the player.
As an anecdote, I’ll tell you that shortly before I started testing the instrument, I tripped on a staircase and one of my fingers still complains. Luckily it was my right middle finger, so I didn’t have to give up that sweet treat for the guitarist with a sweet tooth.
Before focusing on the test, let me note that well-known artists have also set their sights on the Maranello; as an example, I’ll mention Chris Rea, an experienced and renowned musician who currently works with this guitar.
The Body
It’s inevitable to think about the design and concept of Italia guitars. At first, the first time I had them in front of me, they gave me a somewhat “retro” impression; their pearloid finishes combined with “glitter” colors and cream tones give them a 1960s look. As I continued investigating the line of instruments, the time came to plug them in, and my regard for them rose as I played, because they’re well made and sound good.
As for the design, the Maranello’s shape “tastes” of several things. There are touches of the Les Paul, the Hagstrom P46 Deluxe, or the 1957 Gretsch 6129 Silver Jet. It is a compact guitar that weighs quite a bit but gives a firm sense of balance in our hands.
The top finish is (there are other finishes available) glitter red, while the back and sides are Pearloid, with a very eye-catching pearly look.
Without a doubt, the visual element of this instrument is important, certainly different from the conventional, but with an attractive aesthetic touch that you grow fond of after savoring the sound.
Neck, Bridge, and Headstock
A simple but sturdy bridge that, once again, adds to the aesthetics through the string-anchoring plate mounted on the body top. The headstock has this “pearl” look with the usual Maranello series design, since Italia offers a variety of headstocks, and pearly-looking tuners.
Something I really like about this instrument (and other Italia models I’ve tried) is the feeling of robustness, stability, and solidity. The impression is of playing something very well balanced with powerful sounds. From this I conclude that it is a compact instrument with excellent tuning stability.
The Electronics and Its Sound
No detail escapes the look that identifies the Italias. Two knobs (volume and tone) plus a three-position selector, located on a plate attached to the body that also serves as a pickguard. I think I’ve mentioned on other occasions my weakness for instruments that sound good but are simple. So I don’t miss push-pulls or any other kind of gimmick.
The pickups are two Wilkinson Alnico V Vintage Coiced humbuckers. Classic-looking, with the PAF “look” of the Gibson Les Paul.
As for the sound, that’s what convinces me most about the instrument. I think this guitar, despite being useful for any application, doesn’t stand out for great versatility, since it has a characteristic “humbucker” sound that’s somewhat dark and muted. Within those parameters, the treble range is rich, and we could use the instrument in practically any situation. It has a personal sound, I like it a lot, with the great body it puts out standing out (in my view) even in the highest and rawest registers.
Another very special thing about this instrument is the great sustain of its notes. Truly incredible. Although by its looks it doesn’t seem to be a “war” guitar, the reality is that its humbucker configuration and wonderful sustain give the Maranello enough tools for a “heavyweight bout.”
Conclusions
Eyes on the price tag: 750 €. We could say we’re in a mid-range price bracket, and within that framework, the guitar stands out to my taste. Perhaps the look may put some people off, although honestly, seeing the instrument up close it’s really curious, and I can perfectly picture it slung over the shoulders of the heaviest, wildest guitarist; it’s all a matter of breaking molds. Still, I focus my attention on the punch, the classic humbucker sound, and the truly exceptional natural sustain of the notes that flow from this Italia Maranello.
