Borghino Miraggio 7

**Cincy2** · 07-23-2022, 01:51 PM

I've had a desire to explore the seven string archtop for a long time but never could find an instrument that appealed to me functionally and aesthetically. That all changed when I saw this instrument from Mirko Borghino in Italy. I've been a little out of control in acquiring instruments from Italian American luthiers. I have a Buscarino and a Marchione in house that are a joy to play and ogle. Borghino was not a name I was familiar with but if this guitar is any indication of his talent, it is one that we will all recognize in the future. It has a blend of old and new design that you would expect from the Italian design house of Pininfarina. The woods (Italian spruce top, maple back and sides, zizicote bindings and Macassar ebony tailpiece, bridge and pick guard) are a feast for the senses. Built in 2018, this instrument sat at a broker since then with no one willing to take it home. I love the warm burst, the old school f-holes and the contemporary take on the cutout. The guitar has one foot in the past and one in the future. My guitar cabinetis full so this will be the last NGD for a while. I'm having shoulder surgery next week so I can play these beauties without pain. Well worth the effort.

Cincy

Borghino Miraggio 7-fullfront-jpeg

**nevershouldhavesoldit** · 07-23-2022, 02:28 PM

I'd never heard of him until your post. That's one gorgeous guitar!!

**marcwhy** · 07-23-2022, 02:29 PM

Wow, beautiful!!

[whatever you do for a living, can I come work for you?!]

**citizenk74** · 07-23-2022, 07:19 PM

Best of luck with your surgery!

**Cunamara** · 07-23-2022, 08:05 PM

Wow, that is a really striking instrument. What a beautiful sunburst, the silhouette of the instrument is graceful and the cutaway is really quite unique, I haven't seen one quite like that on an archtop. Congratulations!

I periodically ponder trying seven string, myself, since I like George Van Eps's music so much. However, I can barely manage six strings- the seventh might melt my brain.

**EllenGtrGrl** · 07-23-2022, 09:28 PM

Ooh! VERY nice!

I miss having a 7-string around, but with the exception of the pre-2012 Schecters, and the 7-string Eastmans, they all have thin necks. Also, the archtop 7-strings (with the exception of the no longer made Ibanez AF207, Ibanez AFJ957, and Schecter Jazz 7 [I'm still kicking myself for getting rid of mine]), cost more than I can afford. Oh Well.

**nevershouldhavesoldit** · 07-23-2022, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by EllenGtrGrl

Also, the archtop 7-strings (with the exception of the no longer made Ibanez AF207, Ibanez AFJ957, and Schecter Jazz 7), cost more than I can afford.

I've been playing my AF207 since I bought it new when they first came out. The neck has enough meat for my large (size 8 1/2 - 9 gloves) hands. It was fine for 24 years with the stock DiMarzio pickup, and it's stellar with the Benedetto B7 I swapped into it earlier this year. There's almost always one or more in good shape available on the internet for anywhere from $1k to $2k USD. The jazz tone is fantastic with TI JS113s + a 0.075 Chrome 7th and 13 / 17 E / B. If you're going to buy a laminated top anyway, I don't think you get much more even for another $3K.

**Jabberwocky** · 07-24-2022, 08:36 AM

On a roll, Cincy2! What a beauty! You're still missing two Italians from your coterie: Mirabella and Monteleone. And Moffa! Make that 3.

**bluejaybill** · 07-24-2022, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

On a roll, Cincy2! What a beauty! You're still missing two Italians from your coterie: Mirabella and Monteleone. And Moffa! Make that 3.

And let's not forget Campellone!

**Jazz_175** · 07-24-2022, 03:23 PM

Many years ago I had an archtop built by another italian luthier, Buscarini (who is not Buscarino)
jbv
I don't own it anymore.

Congratulations on your new acquisition.
I'd like to see pictures of your Marchione and Buscarino.