The craft of sound

My life has been spent engineering the creation of sound. Today, I design and craft innovative acoustic guitars that deliver exceptional performance.

Here’s my story.

My passion for musical sounds has been lifelong.

I began my career in the hi-fi industry during the 90s, as a reviewer of sound reproduction devices and a designer of DIY loudspeakers for audio enthusiasts.

I then transitioned to designing transducer units—woofers, midranges, and tweeters—for both hi-fi and professional applications, working with several international companies over the years.

The French Touch:
From Loudspeakers
to Luthiery

In 2010, my pursuit of sound led me to France, where I contributed my loudspeaker design expertise to one of the world’s most prestigious audio companies.

Building guitars in my own workshop, I developed a self-taught expertise, refining classic designs with a keen focus on sound and playability.

This pursuit revealed a critical disconnect between the luthiery community and available technical advancements, driving me to bridge the divide between theory and practice.

It was also during this time that I connected with the vibrant French luthier community through the French Guitar Builder association (APLG). This association introduced me to some of my closest friends and leading builders in the industry, including Fred Pons, Jacques Carbonneaux, and Virgile Pilon.

Active participation keeps me informed on luthiery challenges, market trends, and regulatory changes (CITES, FSC, etc…).

The International Stage: Sharing Knowledge and Building Bridges

My involvement with APLG led to opportunities to offer webinars, conferences, and workshops, which, in turn, connected me with the European Guitar Builders association (EGB) and the broader international guitar-making community.

My training, consulting, and workshop activities related to guitar acoustics expanded internationally. Having collected and published a wealth of material for my teaching and consulting, I decided to produce the book: Mastering the Sound of the Acoustic Guitar.

This period also marked a significant milestone: my connection with Michael Greenfield, a luthier whose exceptional artistry I deeply admire. Michael not only provided invaluable guidance in refining my book but also offered countless precious pieces of advice that profoundly influenced my growth as a builder. I am honored to call him my mentor and friend.

The book has resonated deeply within the guitar-making community, becoming a respected resource with thousands of copies sold worldwide; today, it is distributed also on Stewmac and Maderas Barber catalogue. This success reflects the strong interest in a new approach to acoustic guitar design and construction.

In 2023, I designed and launched the innovative TPC System (Tonewood Parameters Characterization). This tool, designed specifically for the guitar builder’s workshop, enables the precise measurement of crucial tonewood acoustic parameters, including damping, Q factor, the material resonance sustain.

The TPC System is currently employed by Maderas Barber to provide their customers with unparalleled tonewood selection, as well as by leading companies and top-tier luthiers worldwide.

My Craft:
A Synthesis of Expertise

My diverse professional background has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of product design from multiple perspectives.

Critically, it has also refined my expertise in acoustics, sound production, and the subtle nuances of sound perception.

This extensive foundation allows me to meticulously analyze the behavior of the acoustic guitar and to confidently experiment with innovative designs, technologies, and construction techniques.

The four distinct models in the Iulius Guitars catalog are entirely original, each incorporating numerous innovations designed to enhance playability and acoustic performance.

Every guitar I create stands as a testament to my unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of guitar design.

Traveling Companions

My sincere gratitude goes to Maurizio Mazzenga: visual artist, designer, and musician (Mokadelic, Ueno Collective). Maurizio is the creative force behind the graphic design of Iulius Guitars and has been an invaluable supporter in the design of my instruments from the very beginning. I encourage you to explore his diverse musical projects.

And a heartfelt thank you to Arnaud Decillia, musician, electronic engineer, and the brilliant designer of the unique Decillia Single 25 amplifier (take a look at its beauty here).

Their exceptional expertise significantly contributes to many aspects of Iulius instruments. I am deeply grateful to share this passion with such talented friends and to be constantly inspired to strive for my best.

The Pursuit of the Perfect Sound

Ultimately, my life is dedicated to designing and building instruments that serve music. I follow my inspirations and experiment with new possibilities, unconstrained by limitations or concerns.

My aim is to create the perfect instrument—one that feels like an extension of your hands and speaks to your soul.

Sincerely,

Giuliano Nicoletti

Iulius Guitars, the brand

During the Roman Republic (509 BC – 27 BC), craftsmanship flourished, and artisan workshops produced finely crafted artifacts. To distinguish their products and protect their rights, artisans often used signatures such as ‘name+fecit’ (meaning ‘[name] made it’). This practice later became a hallmark of classical instrument making.

Ever since I was a boy, building audio speakers in my parents’ garage, I have used the formula ‘Iulius Fecit’ to sign my work. ‘Iulius’ is the Latin form of Julius and Julian, and Rome is my beloved hometown, ‘”where the water always flows and never stops”.