A while ago when I came back from my Easter sliding workshop I decided to replace my harsh sounding steel resonator and my large converted cheap dreadnought with a real weiss. I choose the reasonably priced models from Ermanno and although I hesitated for a maple model I finally ordered one of his standard style 2 weiss with walnut back and sides and val di fiemme spruce top. Yesterday my new acquisition was delivered and I share here some comments and of course pictures.
Tonewoods are superb with nicely figured clear walnut sides and a nearly symmetric back. The val di fiemme top is exceptional for an entry model (I didn’t order any special grade wood) with a spotless matt finishing. The construction is well finished and shows the quality of the craftsmanship – joints, correctly aligned tuners… To purists amateurs of historical instruments ;-) the rope binding (thin and elegant) may look different from traditional style 2 models but importantly the adjustment is excellent. Now the most important is of course the playability and sound: excellent. As soon as I will be accustomed to the wider neck than on my converted instruments, I will post some sound samples.
With this level of quality (tonewoods and construction) and an affordable price, the Ermanno’s handmade instruments are in my opinion a real bargain.