Catálogo Di Giorgio Alta Classe
Catálogo Di Giorgio Alta Classe
Catálogo Di Giorgio Alta Classe
Romeo Di Giorgio began the Di Giorgio factory in Sao Paulo Brazil in 1908
after immigrating from Italy. Romeo studied Lutherie before arriving in
Brazil and was working in an instrument factory before deciding to
manufacture his own mandolins and guitars.
After the death of Romeo, Reinaldo Proetti become the head of the
company. During this period the Bossa Nova movement exploded
increasing demand for guitars and the company decided to end the
production of mandolins and cavaquinhos to specialize in guitars.
Many well know Brazilian artists recorded albums with or used Di Giorgio
guitars, João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Baden Powell, Rosinha de Valença,
Gilberto Gil, João Bosco, Jorge Ben, Marcos Valle, Chico Buarque,
Caetano Veloso, Dorival Caymmi, Djavan, Edu Lobo, Egberto Gismonti,
Nara Leão, Dilermando Reis & many more. Current artist such as Marco
Pereira, Márcio Faraco, Seu Jorge, Celso Fonseca & Joyce still use guitars
from this era.
During the 1970s, Di Giorgio guitars were exported across the world and
can be found for sale in many countries. The factory, over 100 years old,
still produces guitars today.
Di Giorgio guitars can be easy to find, cheap to buy and excellent to play.
Information on models is not always as easily available. This site intends to
provide a basic guide on the golden period of Di Giorgio guitars, 1960s to
late 1970s.
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A bênção Di Giorgio
Foremost, to the Di Giorgio & Proetti families & their company workers for
producing such wonderful instruments.
To the Brazilian artists of the 60s & 70s for their eternal music.
Disclaimer: Some of the contents of this site are taken from online
auctions, forums etc. If you are the copyright holder and object to
sharing, make contact and such images will be removed.
Models
Common Models:
Signorina 16
The Signorina (Miss / Young Lady) model was manufactured during the
1960s to present day. It is an entry level model and is smaller in size.
Estudante 18
Espanhol 26
The Espanhol (Spanish) model was manufactured during the 1960s until
the early 1970s ( Produced again in the 1980s as Espanhol 26 or Sevilla
26). It is a mid range model in the factory series.
Classico 28
The Classico model appears in the 1960s, commonly in the 1970s and
onwards. It is a mid range factory model.
Amazonia 30
The Amazonia model began production in the early 1970s until the 1990s.
It is a mid range factory model.
Tipo Autor 34
The Tipo Autor ( Type Author ) model was the one of the top factory
models, made in the 1960s until the early 1970s. The Tipo Autor often
shares a similar plain front headstock in black to the Serie Artistica
models.
Bel Som 36
The Bel Som (Beautiful Sound) model, sometimes printed as Bel Son, was
manufactured during the 1960s to 1990s. It is the highest model in the
factory series during the 1960 & 1970s.
Romeo 1 / 2 / 3
Tarrega
Autor 3
The Autor (Author) was one of the top models produced by the Di Giorgio
company. Made from the 1960s to present, the Autor 3 is to Bossa Nova;
what the Stratocaster or Les Paul is to Rock n Roll.
Other Models
Artista 18
The Artista ( Artist ) model is a low range factory model produced for a
short period in the early 1970s.
Havana
The Havana model began production in the late 1970s. It is still made
today in different formats.
Super Son
The Super Son model appears in the 1950s into the mid 1960s. A mid
range factory model, not commonly seen outside of Brazil.
Vibrante
The Vibrante ( Vibrant ) model is a mid range factory model made in the
1960s until the early 1970s.
Nostalgia 38
The Nostalgia model is a high range factory model produced for a short
period in the mid 1970s. It is perhaps a prototype to the Guarany models
of the late 1970s.
Conservatorio 1 / 2
The Conservatorio 1 & Conservatorio 2 models were built in the late 1970s
into the 1980s in a classical style.
Santana C1
The Santana C1 model was built in the late 1970s in a classical style. The
name is perhaps a reference to the location of the factory at the time in
Santana, São Paulo.
Guarany C2
The Guarany C2 model was built in the late 1970s in a classical style. The
name is perhaps a reference to the Guarany ( Guaraní ) indigenous
peoples of South America. Guarany models feature a large flower motif on
the back of the guitar body.
Bora Bora
Small Clock Shaped model built in the 1970s to 1980s.
Folk 6 / Folk 12
Invictus 30
Artistico 32
The Artistico model was produced during the 1960s. It is a mid to high
end factory guitar.
Signorina Luxo
The Signorina Luxo ( Miss Luxury ) model was manufactured during the
1960s as a premium version of the Signorina 16 model.
Ordem 14 / 18 / 20 / 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 / 34 / 36
Ordem models come in a range of numbers and were produced during the
1960s.
Fora De Série
Fora De Série ( Out of Series ) models are ‘custom shop’ guitars made to
order by the Di Giorgio factory. These first appear during the 1970s & are
still made today by request.
Guide to 1960s
Factory Models ( Serie Ouro )
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Signorina 16
Estudante 18
Espanhol 26
Classico 28
Tipo Autor 34
Bel Som 36
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Other Models:
Ordem 14 / 18 / 20 / 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 / 34 / 36
Super Son
Invictus 30
Artistico 32
Signorina Luxo
Vibrante
The high end models had a yellow label, were hand signed
by the head of the factory and had the model name and
year either hand written or printed.
A Serie Artistica label from a Autor 3 1968
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Models:
Romeo 1 / 2 / 3
Autor 3
Tarrega
Guide to 1970s
Factory Models
At the turn of the decade the Di Giorgio company made many changes on
the factory floor. Some models of the 1960s were discontinued with new
models created. Pau Ferro began to be used in Back & Sides as
replacement for Jacarandá and Tops were manufactured thicker.
The Di Giorgio guitars of the 1970s were exported around the world and it
is common to find factory models available for sale in many countries
today.
Labels
At some point around 1971, the inner label was changed to a new circular
design. The label contains some text in english, with year, model name
and Reinaldo’s printed signature.
Inner label from a Tipo Autor 34 1972
Stamps
The headstock stamp changed often during the 1970s with new designs
tested. Exceptions may exist to the above list including the common Som
D’ouro design seen from 1973 to the 1980s.
Tuners
Tuning pegs from the very early 1970 are rounded, various tuners were
used throughout the decade. Many tuners will have been changed by
owners since manufacture.
Common Models:
Signorina 16
Estudante 18
Classico 28
Amazonia 30
Tipo Autor 34
Bel Som 36
Other Models:
Artista 18
Vibrante
Nostalgia 38
Conservatorio 1 / 2
Santana C1
Guarany C2
Havana
Bora Bora
Folk 6
Folk 12
Professional Models
Professional Models from the 1970s follow the same trends in headstock
stamps with various higher quality tuners. The labels vary during the early
1970s. All contain model name and year written with Reinaldos’ signature
by hand.
Models:
Romeo 3
Autor 3
Tarrega
Fora De Série
Violões De Alta Classe
A guide to vintage Di Giorgio Guitars
The Tipo Autor ( Type Author ) model was one of the top factory models of the 1960s,
made until the early 70s. Thanks to Rob for sharing this fine example from the middle of
the 1960s.
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The Estudante ( Student ) model is a lower model in the factory series. Suitable for all
levels of skill, the model was made from the 1960s up to present. This example is from 1976
and shows the Flower Motif Sticker found on some models from 1976.
Named after the Spanish composer and classical guitarist Francisco Tárrega, the Tarrega
model is part of the Professional Series. First prototyped in the late 1960s, the Tarrega with
an oval shaped sound hole is perhaps best known as the guitar of João Gilberto during the
second half of his career. This example is from 1972.
0
The Romeo models (1, 2, 3 ) named after the founder of the company Romeo Di
Giorgio, are part of the Professional Series. Produced during the 1960s into the 1970s &
beyond. This Romeo 3 example is from 1973 and features a unique headstock in Brown
without the Flower Carving.
The Tipo Autor ( Type Author ) model was one of the top factory models of the 1960s,
made until the early 70s. This example is from the middle of the 1960s.
Bora Bora is box shaped model, produced in 6 & 12 string variants during the 1970s &
1980s. This design may also be found named Rancho with or without the Som D'ouro label
branding. This example from 1974 has a pine top, Pau Ferro back & sides, and a cedar neck.
Above: This design has...
0
The Signorina Luxo ( Miss Luxury ) model was manufactured during the 1960s as a
premium version of the Signorina 16 model. Slightly smaller in body size, the Signorina
Luxo can be considered as a mid to high range factory model. Thanks to Henrique for
sharing this great example from 1968.
The Autor (Author) was perhaps the flagship model of the Di Giorgio company for many
years, used by many Brazilian artists on their most well known recordings. This example is
from 1972 & shows Horvath tuners from the 1960s. Made from: Top in solid pine, sides in
solid rosewood, bottom in laminated rosewood, neck in cedar, fingerboard...
The Romeo models (1, 2, 3 ) named after the founder of the company Romeo Di
Giorgio, are part of the Professional Series. Produced during the 1960s into the 1970s &
beyond. This beautiful Romeo 1 example is from 1962.
Som D'ouro guitars can be viewed as part of the Di Giorgio family, sharing some models
and label references to either Di Giorgio or Reinaldo Proetti ( Head of the Di Giorgio
factory). For more information on Som D'ouro guitars, see: Di Giorgio & Som D'ouro This
Som D'ouro Brasilia model is from 1977.
The Estudante ( Student ) model is a lower model in the factory series. Suitable for all
levels of skill, the model was made from the 1960s up to present. This example is from
1968.
Di Giorgio Invictus 30 (1970/71)
The Invictus (unconquered) model was manufactured during the 1960s until the early
1970s. It is a mid range factory model, not found in large numbers. This example is likely
from 1970 or 1971.
The Espanhol (Spanish) model was manufactured during the 1960s to the early 1970s. It is
a mid range model in the factory series. This example is from the early 1970s, either 1970 or
1971.
0
The Guarany (or Guarany C2 ) model was built in the late 1970s to the early 1980s in a
classical style. The name is perhaps a reference to the Guarany ( Guaraní ) indigenous
peoples of South America. Guarany models feature a large flower motif on the back of the
guitar body. This example is from 1979.
Born in 1944, Chico Buarque rapidly built a reputation during the mid 1960s, performing at
music festivals and variety shows. Buarque's catchy sambas featured social, economic and
cultural commentary on Brazil, often drawing the ire of military censors throughout his
early years. Buarque saw early success placing first at TV Record's 1966 MPB Festival
with...
0
During the 1960s the Di Giorgio factory produced a range of models under the
name Ordem (Order). These can be found in various model numbers from 18 to 36, likely
corresponding to their equivalent mainline number. ( ie Ordem 28 similar to Classico 28 )
This example numbered 26, was likely made during the first half of...
Di Giorgio Signorina 16 1964
The Signorina (Miss / Young Lady) model was manufactured during the 1960s to present
day. It is the entry level model and is smaller in size. This example is from 1964.
Born in 1946, Maria Bethânia began performing as a teenager with other Bahians such as
Gal Costa & Gilberto Gil. Along with Maria's brother Caetano Veloso, the group would put
on various shows in Salvador during the early 1960s and with the success of these shows
came the offer of performing in Nara Leão's show...
0
Som D'ouro guitars can be viewed as part of the Di Giorgio family, sharing some models
and label references to either Di Giorgio or Reinaldo Proetti ( Head of the Di Giorgio
factory). For more information on Som D'ouro guitars, see: Di Giorgio & Som D'ouro The
year of this Som D'ouro Brasilia is unknown....
The Super Son model appears in the 1950s into the mid 1960s. A mid range factory model,
not commonly seen outside of Brazil. This example is likely from the early 1960s and
features the Serie DG badge below the main label.
Artist Focus – Nara Leão
Born in Vitória in 1942, Nara Leão moved with her family to Rio De Janeiro, and began
learning guitar at the age of 12. As a teenager during the late 1950s, a group of young
musicians would meet at her parent's apartment to write songs. These artists would go
onto become some of the most...
0
During the 1960s the Di Giorgio factory produced a range of models under the name
Ordem (Order). These can be found in various model numbers from 18 to 36, likely
corresponding to their equivalent mainline number. ( ie Ordem 28 similar to Classico 28 )
This Ordem 20 example is likely from the beginning of...
Vibrante ( Vibrant ) is a mid range factory model produced in the 1960s until the early
1970s. An uncommon model, not produced in large numbers. This example is from 1972.
The Serie Artistica style headstock is similar to many Tipo Autor guitars of the early 1970s.
0
The Autor (Author) was perhaps the flagship model of the Di Giorgio company for many
years, used by many Brazilian artists on their most well known recordings. This example is
from 1967. The headstock is without the white outline, unusual for Serie Artistica models.
The 7 string guitar (violão de sete cordas) is popular with Choro musicians in Brazil. The
Di Giorgio factory does not appear to have produced many 7 String models during the
1970s. Any examples are Bel Som 36's with extended headstocks. This example comes from
1978.
The Estudante ( Student ) model is a lower model in the factory series. Suitable for all
levels of skill, the model was made from the 1960s up to present. This example with the
model name printed in English as Student 18 is from 1972.
Fora De Série ( Out of Series ) models are 'custom shop' guitars made to order by the Di
Giorgio factory. These first appear during the 1970s & are still made today by request. This
example is from 1974. The Som D'ouro printed flower motif on the headstock is rare for
Professional Series models. Perhaps...
0
0
The Amazonia model began production in the early 1970s until the 1990s. It is a mid range
factory model. Usually made with back & sides in Pau-marfim, giving the Amazonia a
cream/yellow appearance. This example is from 1974.
Di Giorgio Romeo 3 1969
The Romeo models (1, 2, 3 ) named after the founder of the company Romeo Di Giorgio,
are part of the Professional Series. Produced during the 1960s into the 1970s & beyond. This
Romeo 3 example is from 1969.
Born in Salvador, Bahia in 1914, Dorival Caymmi taught himself to play guitar as a
teenager, before performing on local radio stations. Early success winning song
competitions and composing for Carmen Miranda saw Caymmi move to Rio De Janeiro in
1938 to become a journalist for a newspaper, continuing his music outside work
commitments. As...
1
Som D'ouro guitars can be viewed as part of the Di Giorgio family, sharing some models
and label references to either Di Giorgio or Reinaldo Proetti ( Head of the Di Giorgio
factory). For more information on Som D'ouro guitars, see: Di Giorgio & Som D'ouro This
Som D'ouro Conservatório 2 example is from 1977....
The Bel Som (Beautiful Sound) model, sometimes printed as Bel Son, was manufactured
during the 1960s to 1990s. It is the highest model in the factory series. This example
labelled with 'Bel Son' is from 1976 and features the 3 leaf clover style tuners from the
1960s.
Di Giorgio Classico 28 (1970/71)
The Classico model appears in the 1960s, commonly in the 1970s and onwards. It is a mid
range factory model. This example from 1970/1971 has a unique marketing tag tied on the
neck. The tag has English text on the reverse side, suggesting this guitar was exported for
sale.
Born in 1948 in Rio de Janeiro, Joyce ( Moreno ) released her first album in 1968, featuring a
mix of original compositions and songs from well know Brazilian artists of the era.
Performances with Edu Lobo in Portugal followed and later, European tours with Vinicius
de Moraes during the 1970s. With over 20 albums...
0
The Autor (Author) was perhaps the flagship model of the Di Giorgio company for many
years, used by many Brazilian artists on their most well known recordings. This example
from 1970, shows the change in Headstock stamp to "Di Giorgio Brasil" from the 1960s
version Romeo Di Giorgio São Paulo.
Di Giorgio manufactured two steel string models beginning in the 1970s. The six string
Folk 6 & the twelve string Folk 12. This Folk 6 example is from 1974.
Artist Focus – Dilermando Reis
Born in 1916 in Guaratinguetá São Paulo State, Dilermando Reis taught in Rio de Janeiro's
prestigious music schools and future artists such as Bola Sete. Reis left a large body of
work, recording 35 albums composing famous choros & waltzes still performed in Brazil
today. Dilermando Reis with his Di Giorgio, likely a Serie Artistica...
0
During the late 1970s, Di Giorgio introduced the Conservatório 1 & Conservatório
2 models. These guitars were built throughout the 1980s to 1990s, adding a Conservatório
3 to the range during the 1980s. While the Conservatório range were at the top end of
factory models, the guitars introduced in the late 1970s ( Santana, Guarany, Conservatório
) belong to a different era of...
The Tipo Autor ( Type Author ) model was one of the top factory models of the 1960s,
made until the early 70s. This example is from 1972.
0
Guide to 1960s
After the explosion of Bossa Nova the Di Giorgio factory were producing 150 guitars per
day across multiple sites in São Paulo. Guitars from this decade are known as Serie
Ouro, for their golden label.
The Golden Label contains no year of manufacture unlike models from 1971 onwards.
Some guitars contain unique additional labels denoting year such as:
These labels are usually associated with Serie Ouro guitars of the 1970-1971 period,
although some Serie Artistica models with fabricação especial labels do exist.
Headstocks were stamped with Romeo Di Giorgio São Paulo on the reverse and more
commonly, a carved floral design on the front of the Headstock. The floral design is
usually found in Brown with Black and Tan alternative variations. Plain Headstocks
without any carving may be further decorated with badges or stripes.
Tuners are most commonly in a 3 leaf clover design, made by the Horvath Company.
Common Models:
Signorina 16
Estudante 18
Espanhol 26
Classico 28
Tipo Autor 34
Bel Som 36
Other Models:
Ordem 14 / 18 / 20 / 26 / 28 / 30 / 32 / 34 / 36
Super Son
Invictus 30
Artistico 32
Signorina Luxo
Vibrante
The high end models had a yellow label, were hand signed by the head of the factory
and had the model name and year either hand written or printed.
Like the Serie Ouro models, the headstocks were engraved with Romeo Di Giorgio Sao
Paulo on the back. The front of the headstock may have the common caved flower motif
or plain. These models were further differenciated by painting the front of the headstock
black with a white trim. ( some brown headstocks do exist )
Tuning pegs were in metal with Mother of Pearl inlays.
Models:
Romeo 1 / 2 / 3
Autor 3
Tarrega
UP ↑
Violões De Alta Classe
Guide to 1970s
Factory Models
At the turn of the decade the Di Giorgio company made many changes on the factory
floor. Some models of the 1960s were discontinued with new models created. Pau Ferro
began to be used in Back & Sides as replacement for Jacarandá and Tops were
manufactured thicker.
The Di Giorgio guitars of the 1970s were exported around the world and it is common to
find factory models available for sale in many countries today.
Labels
At some point around 1971, the inner label was changed to a new circular design. The
label contains some text in english, with year, model name and Reinaldo’s printed
signature.
Inner label from a Tipo Autor 34 1972
Stamps
The headstock stamp changed often during the 1970s with new designs tested.
Exceptions may exist to the above list including the common Som D’ouro design seen
from 1973 to the 1980s.
Tuners
Tuning pegs from the very early 1970 are rounded, various tuners were used throughout
the decade. Many tuners will have been changed by owners since manufacture.
Common Models:
Signorina 16
Estudante 18
Classico 28
Amazonia 30
Tipo Autor 34
Bel Som 36
Other Models:
Artista 18
Vibrante
Nostalgia 38
Conservatorio 1 / 2
Santana C1
Guarany C2
Havana
Bora Bora
Folk 6
Folk 12
Professional Models
Professional Models from the 1970s follow the same trends in headstock stamps with
various higher quality tuners. The labels vary during the early 1970s. All contain model
name and year written with Reinaldos’ signature by hand.
Models:
Romeo 3
Autor 3
Tarrega
Fora De Série
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