Click here to find out how we first met Peppino : The Godin Guitar Bar

For more info about Peppino and his music, click here : 'Every step of the way'...

Peppino Interview

Q: When did you first become interested in Godin/Seagull?

PD: About eight years ago I was introduced to Robert Godin at the NAMM show. I was immediately impressed by his passion for music and guitars.

Q: Which model did you play first?

PD: I tried one Robert’s Acousticasters and he said to me: “Take it home, try it for a few days and let me know what you think of it.” In the following weeks I played the guitar and I was really pleased with the sound, along with the lightweight of it. This was a very easy guitar to play. However, my preference is for a more tradition acoustic guitar so I began experimenting with various Seagull guitars.

Q: Which Seagull did you eventually settle on?

PD: The rosewood Artist Series guitar with a spruce top equipped with an L.R. Baggs Duet system. I have been playing that guitar for several years and it has served me well. Now of course I’m using my signature model guitar.

Q: Describe the process involved in developing the ‘Peppino’ Model.

PD: Robert and I first discussed the possibility a few years ago. I was a little nervous about the process actually, because it occurred to me that these guys don’t tell me how to play, so where do I get off telling them how to build a guitar? Of course I was worried for nothing, Robert was very easy to work with.

Q: Robert spends a considerable amount of time traveling around the world presenting guitar clinics and talking to guitar players. The feedback that he gets from the players he meets on the road provides the impetus for most of his designs. So, describe what you were looking for.

PD: In my mind I was envisioning an instrument that could be played softly but also percussively. I wanted balanced, warm tone with lots of volume when called for. I wanted a wider neck to accommodate my fingerstyle techniques. I need an instrument that tunes easily and stays in tune because I change tunings several times during a performance. My requirements also include on-board electronics that will produce natural acoustic sound and pick up the body tapping that I use in many of my compositions. It was a lot to ask of Robert!

Q: How long did it take to finally get your guitar?

PD: We went back and forth for two years. It took six prototypes, many structural changes, and several long discussions until I got exactly what I had envisioned! I’ve had my guitar for several months now and whether I’m playing in my living room, the studio, or in concert, I feel that my Seagull is responding to all of those situations in an extraordinary way. This is an inspiring guitar and I hope that playing will fuel other player’s creativity as much as mine has.