The Benedetto Guitars Archives Collection consists of letters, catalogues, pictures, concert programs, records, CDs, tools and fixtures, and items of historic significance for scholars of jazz guitar and music, lutherie and aficionados of fine art.
Amassed by Robert and Cynthia Benedetto over the course of 54 years making archtop guitars, in late 2019 they decided to offer their collection into the hands of a younger generation. It is curated and managed by me and made available free to the public currently through social media (Instagram) but will also be available in print.
I use the Benedetto Guitars Archives as a vehicle for educating, especially young audiences, the wonderful aspects of the guitar that tend to be overlooked in a loud and fast music world. A hand-made guitar is an incredible work of art; the body of music attached to this kind of instrument, both historic and contemporary, is of such high qualityand importance and should be made more visible to bigger audiences.
I will continue to collect as much oral history from artists, dealers, collectors and the Benedettos themselves about the Benedetto Story.
