Benedetto Guitar Factory Experience
Explore Music's Beginnings
Bob Benedetto’s love of guitars started in 1958, when he was 11 years old. His uncles and father got together regularly to eat good Italian food and play music. Bob made his first guitar in his bedroom in New Jersey in 1968 using his family’s maple dining room table for materials. In the 70’s and 80’s he rose to prominence as a premier luthier (guitar maker) by providing instruments to jazz legends including Bucky Pizzarelli, Chuck Wayne, Joe Diorio, and Kenny Burrell.
Bob’s 1993 book “Making an Archtop Guitar” became the Bible of jazz building, beginning a renaissance period in the industry, and resulting in Benedetto guitar becoming a permanent part of the Smithsonian Institution’s musical instrument collection. After a brief period from 1999-2006 while Fender Guitars built Benedettos in their custom shop under license, Bob Benedetto recovered the brand and setup shop in Savannah, GA. Bob Benedetto retired in 2014, but handed the reins to Master Luthier and long-time apprentice Damon Mailand, who remains faithful to Bob’s designs and traditions.
Tour
Guests have the opportunity to tour the factory and meet Damon and his staff. Many of the original tools are still used and luthiers continue to use the age-old process to create the custom guitars.
Also enjoy meeting Howard Paul, President and CEO. From jazz guitarist to Army officer to corporate executive, Howard Paul is a man of many talents. A recurring performer in Savannah’s annual jazz and music festivals, today he is chairman of the jazz festival, president of the Coastal Jazz Association, and an inductee in the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame. He performs in regional jazz clubs and travels internationally as a jazz guitarist and lecturer. His association with Bob Benedetto began in 1996 when he ordered his first custom guitar. In 1999, he began co-producing the Benedetto Players in Concert Series with Cindy Benedetto.
Details
Tours of the facility take between 1-2 hours. There is no cost for tours Monday through Friday, from 9am-4pm. There is a $100 fee per tour Saturday from 10am-4pm. There is a 48-hour notice required to schedule a tour. This experience is open to individuals and small groups. There is a maximum tour size of 8 people. Call the Perry Lane Hotel Guest Relations team at 912-415-9000 and they would be happy to make your reservation. Transportation costs to the factory are $30 each way with Uber and $125 each way with private car service.
10 Mall Terrace, Suite A, Savannah, GA 31406