Marfione Guitars

Nylon String Guitars

Custom Built Nylon String Guitars, Retail Sales, Repairs/Restorations & Setups

img
Chuck Marfione

A Return to the Bench

It’s been over thirteen years since Marfione Guitars opened its doors—and more than twenty-three years since I built my first instrument. Over that time, my work has evolved, expanded, and ultimately come full circle.

Early on, recognizing the need for a space devoted entirely to the nylon-string guitar community, I launched AllStringsNylon.com—an online store built for players who share my love for the sound, feel, and tradition of nylon string guitars..

Over time, that project grew far beyond its original scope. As the online business expanded in size and complexity, I found myself spending more time overseeing hundreds of products and less time at the bench building classical and Romantic guitars—the work that first drew me to this craft and where my true passion lies.

Chuck Marfione

Products & Services

Kremona Concert Classical Guitars

Kremona Concert Classical Guitars

Kremona Guitars has spent nearly 100 years building a reputation for exceptional quality and craftsmanship in the world of fine…

Marfione Guitars by Kremona

Marfione Guitars by Kremona

After more than a year of close collaboration with Kremona Guitars, I’m proud to introduce this exclusive line of concert…

Marfione Custom Guitars

Marfione Custom Guitars

occasionally build guitars outside of commissioned work. I complete these nylon string guitars in my workshop without a custom order.…

Repairs and Restoration

Repairs and Restoration

Guitar Repairs, Restorations, and Upgrades I specialize in the construction, repair, restoration, and customization of both nylon and steel-string guitars.…

Chuck Marfione

Meet the Luthier

My work as a luthier is grounded in a deep respect for the past—especially the elegant simplicity and tonal beauty of Romantic-era guitars. Inspired by builders like Lacôte and Panormo, I bring a historical sensibility to my instruments while embracing the practical innovations modern players require.

Since 2003, I've been building guitars that reflect both the refined voice of Romantic-era instruments and the broader tradition of the classical guitar. My work draws on time-tested design principles—lightweight, resonant builds, traditional bracing patterns, and restrained aesthetics that echo the understated beauty of 19th-century Romantic guitars. I don't replicate the past for nostalgia’s sake. Instead, I ask how these same principles can be reimagined and expanded for the needs of today’s classical players.

To that end, I incorporate carefully considered innovations that serve the player without compromising the guitar’s soul. I utilize adjustable truss rods for long-term stability, offer multiple scale options for personalized comfort, and apply ultra-thin finishes that preserve resonance while providing protection.

In select models, I blend high-quality traditional woods with advanced lamination techniques—pairing spruce, cedar, or rosewood with carbon or synthetic cores to enhance strength without adding weight. I also reimagine neck joints, opting for refined dovetail, and mortise and tenon constructions that allow for easier maintenance while preserving the tonal advantages of traditional design.

Personal Guitar Consultation: Thoughtful guidance shaped around your guitar needs and goals

I’m always happy to talk through your questions and options. Whether you’re selecting a guitar from my collection, interested in commissioning a new build, evaluating repairs or restorations, or exploring consignment options, I'll take time to understand what matters most to you. Reach out through the contact form or call 828-652-9210—I’m always happy to talk.
Contact Me
×

Get in Touch

    Kremona staff at the workshop in Kazanlak, Bulgaria in the early 1920's

    Featured Blog Post:

    How My Relationship with Kremona Guitars Began—and Why It Matters

    Nylon string guitar players deserve more than just mass-produced instruments. They deserve craftsmanship, care, and a connection to something real. That belief has always guided my work—and it’s exactly what drew me to Kremona Guitars.

    Neither of us is interested in “selling boxes.” We’re here to serve players—seriously, thoughtfully, and without compromise. That’s the kind of partnership I can stand behind. And I’m glad I took that closer look.

    How My Relationship with Kremona Guitars Began—and Why It Matters

    What Our Customers Say

    Recently, I purchased a Kremona 100 Year Anniversary Luthier Series Classical Guitar from Chuck Marfione. It took a few weeks to get the guitar as Chuck identified hairline cracks in the finish in the first guitar I chose. This would probably not be something I would ever notice, but Chuck did. While, some might be bothered by this setback, it illustrated to me that Chuck was a stand-up guy, and an honest broker. That means a lot in this day and age! The next step in the process involved Chuck taking a drive to Kremona (several hours) to find a new guitar he hand selected for me, which is pictured here. Cutting to the chase,I would highly recommend Marfione Guitars to anyone looking for a great classical guitar. Chuck is honest and a real stickler for details, and will deliver an exceptional product. On top of his professionalism, he is very knowledgeable and will do a great job steering you to the right guitar for your taste and budget. Thanks Chuck for helping me find the perfect guitar!

    Scott Ducey

    Meeting and working with Chuck has been a truly great experience. I purchased three guitars from Marfione Guitars over the past few years. Each time, Chuck has taken the time to talk about exactly what I was looking for, provide several thoughtful options and then work through each guitar to find exactly what I was looking for in feel, sound, look and price. I could not be happier with all three. The most-recent guitar, Kremona Luthier Series Rosa Lucia, is a masterpiece. After talking to Chuck a lot about what I was looking for in a Flamenco Blanco, he told me he was going to the manufacturer’s USA distribution point in Alabama and would source a few candidates. He found a very special spruce and cypress work of art that has everything a Flamenco guitar should have, bite, tone and beauty. Chuck is also advising me on restoring my 60 year old Yamaha, first guitar, that has no economic value but lots of sentimental value. He is the best. It is refreshing to meet and work with a person of such integrity and talent.

    Terry Doyle

    I am writing this while I am on tour in Europe with my Cordoba Pro Negra: Chosen, Modified and Setup by Chuck Marfione.I had played a Cordoba Pro Negra for many years as my main classical guitar with a pickup, stock as it comes, and was often running into issues with feedback, or buzzing, but I liked the concept of it. I found Chuck online while doing some research, and after a few calls, decided to purchase a new Pro Negra from him, fitted with a Barbera pickup, and a full setup, with new tuning machines, fretwork, etc. Chuck has done an incredible job setting up this guitar, with an precise attention to detail, starting from choosing the guitar with the best acoustic sound (which I know he did because I've played many of these Cordoba's), to the last detail of personalization. I am a touring guitarist based in NYC. I've worked with many luthiers on my other instruments as well. Chuck, by far, has really been the only one who's been present every step of the way, sharing his advice, and listening to all my requests and needs, with the intention of providing me with the guitar I wanted and needed; and he has.I think that is one of the biggest aspects that make me happy about working with Chuck, and one which has no price tag, which is is having found a luthier who has a deep interest in meeting my expectations, and who has the skills to do so.

    Ramiro Marziani

    As a new customer, I'm pleased to be able to say that I had a great experience with Chuck. He was knowledgeable, patient, and flexible. Worth noting: we completed a transaction remotely as opposed to 'in the shop.' He made it easy, did what he said he would do, and made himself readily available throughout the process. He also did a really nice job with the set up on the guitar. Thanks, Chuck! I'll be back.

    Geoff Hall

    Marfione Guitars: Blog

    Flamenco Guitar Buying Guide

    21

    Jan

    Flamenco Guitar Buying Guide

    Key Features to Look for When Buying a Flamenco Guitar Chuck Marfione with insights from professional flamenco guitarist Wael Khedr...

    Tuning, Cleaning, and Caring for Your Kremona Guitar: Step-by-Step

    17

    Jan

    Tuning, Cleaning, and Caring for Your Kremona Guitar: Step-by-Step

    Tuning, Cleaning, and Caring for Your Kremona Guitar: Step-by-Step Let me ask you something. Have you ever picked up your...

    How to Choose the Best Nylon String Guitar for Your Playing Style

    15

    Jan

    How to Choose the Best Nylon String Guitar for Your Playing Style

    How to Choose the Best Nylon String Guitar for Your Playing Style I’ve worked on and played countless nylon string...

    Nylon String Guitars Chosen for Character, Not Categories

    Nylon string guitars are more than product SKUs or just another thing to sell. Each instrument has its own voice, feel, and personality, shaped by materials, design choices, and the hands that built it. My job is to understand that character and help pair the right guitar to the needs, goals, and playing style of each customer.
    The guitars offered here include traditional classical guitars, crossover nylon string guitars, and custom-built instruments, but the work behind that selection goes deeper than categories. Years of collaboration with individual makers and established guitar manufacturers—combined with decades of feedback from countless players—inform which instruments earn a place here. That ongoing dialogue, between bench, workshop, and player, is what allows me to offer guitars that consistently deliver musical value rather than simply meeting a specification list. Crossover nylon string guitars are especially valuable for players who want familiar ergonomics while retaining the warmth, articulation, and dynamic range that define nylon strings. Classical designs remain central as well, offering the tonal balance and precision required for traditional repertoire and refined technique. In both cases, the emphasis is on how the instrument responds in real playing conditions, not how it reads on paper. Setup is treated as an essential part of the instrument, not an afterthought. Nut height, saddle geometry, string choice, and overall voicing all influence how a nylon string guitar feels and sounds. Every guitar that passes through Marfione Guitars is inspected and adjusted with the same attention I apply to my own builds, ensuring consistent playability and reliable performance. For players seeking a deeper level of involvement, custom nylon string guitars allow conversations about tone, feel, and aesthetics to guide the final instrument. Whether selecting a finished guitar or commissioning a build, the focus remains the same: honest evaluation, clear guidance, and instruments chosen or built with long-term musical satisfaction in mind.
    ×
    Marfione Guitars

    Marfione Guitars

    Nylon String Guitars

    Custom Built Nylon String Guitars, Retail Sales, Repairs/Restorations & Setups

    Get in Touch With Us Today!
    Contact Me