Jean-Noël Rohé is a French classical guitar maker based in Strasbourg, named “Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France” in 2004 and championed by Daniel Friederich and Dominique Field.
At a Glance
- Workshop: Strasbourg, France
- Training: Sherwood College, Newark, England (Tony Johnson, Roy Courtnall)
- Award: “Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France” (M.O.F.), 2004
- Mentors and supporters: Daniel Friederich and Dominique Field
- Construction: double sides, asymmetrical 8-fan bracing, French polish
- In the USA: GSI is his only US dealer, bringing in one guitar per year
- Waiting list: about 8 years
The Leading French Guitar Maker of His Generation
Based in Strasbourg, France, Jean-Noël Rohé is considered to be the top French maker of his generation – not just by all those who see and play his instruments, but also by none other than the late Daniel Friederich and Dominique Field, who have been among his most avid supporters.
Meilleur Ouvrier de France, 2004
Jean-Noël trained in instrument making at Sherwood College in Newark, England, under Tony Johnson and Roy Courtnall. In 2004 he was awarded the title “Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France” (M.O.F.), receiving the medal from France’s then-president, Jacques Chirac – with Daniel Friederich as president of the jury and Dominique Field as a member. (We later had the actual prize-winning guitar here at GSI.) With Field’s advice, he established himself as an independent maker that same year.
One Rohé Guitar a Year for GSI
We are delighted to be Jean-Noël’s only dealer in the USA – bringing in one guitar per year, particularly since his private waiting list is now 8 years.
Many Years with GSI
Our collaboration with Jean-Noël began after David Collett visited him in Strasbourg, at the advice of both Daniel Friederich and Dominique Field. The first guitar he sent us was his fiftieth – Rohé insisted on taking the extra time to work out a few subtle design changes so that he would be sending us the best guitar he was capable of both envisioning and building. Demand for his instruments soared early on, thanks to the strong support of Friederich and Field, his 2004 M.O.F. title and a glowing review by Clément Follain in the French magazine Guitare Classique.
We have now worked with Jean-Noël for many years, and a great many of his guitars have passed through our hands – from early instruments such as his 2003 spruce and Indian rosewood guitar and the actual 2004 M.O.F. prize-winning guitar, to his recent guitars built with aged tonewoods from Daniel Friederich’s own workshop. Although his guitars have long had the majesty and authority normally found in instruments by veteran maestros, they continue to grow in refinement from year to year.
Orfeo Magazine #7 – French School Luthiery
Many Jean-Noël Rohé guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Jean-Noël Rohé build his guitars?
In his workshop in Strasbourg, France.
What is the M.O.F.?
“Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France” is France’s highest distinction for craftsmen. Jean-Noël received it in 2004, with Daniel Friederich presiding over the jury.
What is special about Rohé’s guitars?
Exquisite craftsmanship, Friederich-style double sides and his own asymmetrical 8-fan bracing, giving a perfectly balanced, warm sound with a firm core to each note.
