Hailing from Solero, Italy, Pietro Gallinotti (1885-1979) occupies a significant place in the realm of Italian luthiers, drawing comparisons to the renowned Ignacio Fleta of Italy. At the tender age of 10, Pietro embarked on an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker in Genova, where he dedicated nearly two decades honing his craft. Just before the outbreak of World War I, Pietro ventured to Savigliano to work in a factory specializing in the construction of railway coaches. However, the tumultuous times led to his conscription, and he found himself imprisoned in Czechoslovakia.

During his internment, Pietro's exceptional skills as a cabinet maker were discovered by the camp commandant, who entrusted him with a violin and instructed him to craft a replica. Following the war's conclusion, Pietro returned to Solero and established his workshop, embarking on the creation of instruments belonging to the violin family. He meticulously constructed classic models reminiscent of Stradivarius, Guarnerius, Rocca, and Oddone, steadily earning recognition and acclaim. His talents were acknowledged with significant prizes in competitions such as Geneva in 1927, Rome in 1933, Bologna in 1936, and Turin and Modena in 1953.

In addition to violins, violas, and cellos, Gallinotti also ventured into the crafting of mandolins and replicated guitars by Gaetano Guadagnini and Gatt. A transformative moment occurred when he encountered a Simplicio guitar, inspiring him to delve into the Spanish guitar-making tradition. Pietro initiated his study of the Spanish school by restoring guitars from illustrious makers like Santos Hernandez, Simplicio, and Julian Gomez Ramirez. In 1933, he successfully created a replica of a Julian Gomez Ramirez guitar.

The turning point came in 1949 when the renowned guitarist Andres Segovia visited Alessandria to perform a concert. During their encounter, Pietro was tasked with a minor repair on Segovia's 1937 Hauser guitar. The opportunity to study this instrument intensively had a profound impact on Gallinotti's lutherie skills. As a result, his reputation soared, attracting the attention of many great guitarists who began using his instruments. Foremost among these was Aliro Diaz, who became an ardent admirer and featured Gallinotti's guitars in his recordings.

In the 1960s, Pietro had the privilege of presenting one of his guitars to the esteemed Segovia. The maestro, deeply impressed by its quality, wanted to leave a note of appreciation on it. Although Pietro passed away in 1979, his legacy as a master luthier continues to thrive. In 2006, a Guitar exhibition and concert series at the Museum of Savigliano celebrated his contributions, accompanied by the publication of an important book titled "Pietro Gallinotti Liutaio di Solero," authored by Mario da Ara and Mario Grimaldi. The book features diagrams, prints, and testimonials from students, musicians, and artists, further solidifying Pietro Gallinotti's enduring influence in the world of luthiery.