What's the word on Italia guitars?

[sheeparecountingme]

I played a bunch of them the other day and thought they were pretty solid guitars, specifically the Rimini, Mondial Sportster, and Maranello. Thoughts?

[sheeparecountingme]

I'm asking because I was thinking about buying one (I'm leaning towards the Mondial or Maranello) or a Reverend Daredevil or a Toronado. I'm having a hard time deciding (I like them all but can't afford the whole lot) and just wanted a second opinion. Thanks.

[The Mad Owl]

I own an Italia Rimini 6 and a Reverend Club King 290.

If I had to choose one, I'd choose the Reverend every day of the week.

Be careful of the resoglass pickguards on the Italias, as they shatter easily (almost had to junk the Italia because no one was willing to fix it)

[dubkitty]

i have no personal experience either way, but word of mouth from my friends and forum contacts agrees with MO. people who like the Italias like them a lot, but there's a 12-string that's been making its way around one forum i frequent for several years now without finding a forever home. Reverends, on the other hand, have fanboys, and forums dedicated to them and shit. i personally like the Maranello doublecut with the f-hole more than i should.

[proroby]

I had a Mondial and returned it. It has nice parts, but poor construction. I also didn't like the pickups, but the piezo having its own output is awesome and was almost enough to have me keep it.

I've heard nothing but good things about Reverends. I've also owned a Toronado before and it was fucking awesome.

[askthedust]

I have a Modena sitar that I love to take out once in a while to record a part.