Roma Expo Guitars 2026

I was honoured to be invited to this year’s Roma Expo Guitar—an event that offered a most rare and valuable opportunity: to spend extended time with 30 concert-level guitars, all in one place.

Moving between instruments, returning to them, and comparing them side by side over a 3 day period gives a level of insight that is simply invaluable. It was not only deeply inspiring, but a hugely educational experience too.

What became particularly clear was just how much the construction approach shapes the musical outcome. What was most interesting is hearing how differences in bracing and overall design philosophy could fundamentally change the character of a guitar, and how guitars which shared similar construction methods generally produced the same underlying characteristics. Some qualities I’ve long valued were reinforced, while others were challenged. I found new tonal preferences began to emerge, and previously held allegiances to a particular methodology challenged. The end result is a much clearer sense of the key characteristics that truly make a top level concert guitar.

Above all, it was an uplifting few days that shifted my perspective significantly and one which will have a lasting impact on the guitars you’ll find available in our shop.

Here are our top picks from this year’s Roma Expo Guitars festival.

Roberto Pozzi is a luthier who came to REG 2026 with a number of stunning guitars. Of those on show, there were two guitars that stood out as being particularly outstanding; his REG 2026 Special Edition model and his cedar model with elevated fretboard.

Each instrument had its own distinct voice and both were compelling in their own unique ways.

The Special Edition pairs a fine spruce top with ebony back and sides. Visually striking, certainly—but what it offers musically goes far beyond appearance. There is a depth to the sound that’s difficult to put into words: rich and enveloping, yet delivered with remarkable clarity and control. The tone is highly seductive, sustained with ease, and immaculately clean in its articulation. A truly standout instrument.

By contrast, the cedar model presents a firmer, more assertive character. One that feels as though it is positively bubbling under the fingers and ready to explode with a world of tonal colour. An absolutely captivating musical experience.

As a result of playing Roberto Pozzi’s guitars, we made the decision to bring in not just one, but TWO of his guitars for our shop this year. We were lucky enough to snap up his REG 2026 Special Edition model (which is available right now in our shop) along with a brand new cedar build for later in the year.

The exact guitar played by Edith Pageaud (see video) is available to buy from Classical Guitar Academy right now. See the listing below:

Sebastiano Fracasso brought two guitars to REG 2026; his Special Edition with Birdseye maple back/sides and his more regularly built Indian Rosewood version of the same guitar. To my surprise it was actually the rosewood version of his own concept concert guitar that immediately stopped me in my tracks. The tone was so even, so perfectly balanced—gloriously clean, rounded, and impeccably refined across the entire range. This is a remarkable achievement especially for someone who is nearer to the beginning of his career than the end. There are great things to come from Sebastiano.

In fact, it’s rare to come across an instrument that feels this complete. This is a guitar which any professional player would appreciate. But what’s more, the ease with which glorious tone can be produced is staggering and it’s this feature that makes it a highly attractive prospect for guitar enthusiasts of any standard and broadens the guitar’s appeal way beyond the concert stage.

This was, without question, one of the most exciting guitars I’ve played in recent years—and I’m delighted to say we’ve secured a brand new Sebastiano Fracasso guitar for the studio, arriving later this year.

This is a young luthier with a bright future ahead of him. Don’t be surprised to find his guitars being listed for double their current value in the future…

And if one generational talent was not enough, enter Marco Gilioli.

Marco presented two guitars at REG 2026; one Torres inspired and another of his own design that he has been working on refining for a number of years.

His Torres guitar perfectly captured the nuances of the Torres style, with its highly expressive nature combined with that charming, natural, almost breath-like character. However as good as his Torres model might be, Marco’s own concept guitar is a noticeable step above.

Clean voiced, poised and well balanced. A rounded tone that sustains well with effortless expression. The work he has put into refining his design over the years has, by his own admission, improved the quality of his design significantly. There is a precision to his work that translates directly into the playing experience. Every note feels intentional and clearly defined. Yet within that precision lies a deeply lyrical quality—an instrument that invites expressive playing from the heart.

A truly exceptional maker, and one I’m very excited to continue working with. We will be receiving a brand new Marco Gilioli guitar towards the end of this year and I  simply can’t wait!

Luca Santambrogio’s presented two guitars; a Torres replica guitar and one inspired by the same 1973 José Romanillos played by Julian Bream. As enjoyable as the Torres replica was to play, it was the Romanillos guitar that really caught my ear. Strong, lyrical trebles, defined basses and an overall sweetness that made for a highly enjoyable playing experience.

There’s a quiet confidence to this style of instrument. Nothing is forced, —just solid clarity, warmth, and authentic fan braced tone courtesy of a design by one of the masters builders of the 20th Century. Of the 1973 Bream inspired guitars I’ve played, the underlying character is one of understated elegance that feels beautifully poised, with a range of tonal colours forming the backbone of this type of guitar. A hugely enjoyable instrument to play and one which any classical guitarist would find to be a pleasurable experience.

It’s worth mentioning that the execution of Luca’s guitar was flawless. I was hugely impressed by the guitars presented by this young luthier and look forward to welcoming a brand new Romanillos style guitar into the CGA studio later in the year.

All in all, a most fantastic, educational and inspiring weekend. We were delighted to acquire a number of incredible guitars which will be appearing in our guitar shop over the course of the year (in fact, Roberto Pozzi’s REG Special Edition is available right now!). Keep an eye out for guitars by:

• Luca Santambrogio
• Sebastiano Fracasso
• Marco Gilioil
• Roberto Pozzi (another one later this year!)

That’s all for now, until next year…