Artisan realization of Marranzano

It belongs to the family of plucked idiophones and consists of a metal blade fixed to an iron frame. The very particular sound is generated by the vibration of the blade and can be modified with the movement of the lips, cheeks and oral cavity. It presents a considerable variety of shapes and models depending on the other geographical areas in which it is present. The material used for Sicilian marranzano is wrought iron, which is hot forged on the anvil. Even the tongue is obtained by “unthreading” the iron between hammer and anvil. The Sicilian models have some common features that unite them and distinguish them from all other known models, in particular for the method of fixing the tongue to the frame.

From his workshop in Resuttano, Giuseppe Alaimo was among the last in Sicily to build jewels.

If you decide to look for artisan blacksmiths, the original Marranzano can in fact be found in Resuttano, whose name recalls that of the small instrument. Giuseppe Alaimo's workshop is located after crossing the historic center.

Hers was not a mass production. The quality of his instruments is measurable in terms of volume and duration of the sound, resistance and solidity of the instrument and, above all, of extraordinary tonal richness.

The accuracy and precision of the construction, the choice and processing of raw materials, are all elements that clearly distance Alaimo's tools from the current production of tourist marranzani.