2023 Elias Bonet "Aire" CD/GE

This is our first "Aire" model guitar from this talented young maker - built to the same high standard as his traditional model, but with a modern twist: this is Elias' "double top" model but done in his own way. Instead of two pieces of cedar sandwiched with nomex in the middle, Elias first constructs a "main" top with carvings throughout to reduce weight. To this he adds a second, thinner top that adds the needed stiffness that the "total top" requires under string tension. One element that assists in adding stiffness is making sure the grains in the 2nd top are perpendicular to the grains in the primary top. He also makes use of carbon fiber for its lightweight and stiff qualities in the areas of the sides where the top is attached - this secures the structural soundness around the soundboard, but also allows the sides to move freely, something that does not happen with double sided guitars. Elias tells us that he does this to produce a more responsive soundboard, with longer sustain and improved dynamic range.

The idea for this model came about when Elias tried to think of how to design an instrument for guitarists who are immersed in the world of competitions who need an instrument with added power and maximal ease of play, which will give them boosted confidence on stage. Also to be practical in chamber music contexts, where the added power will help guitarists "cut through" the wall of sound produced by other (usually louder) instruments. Volume is not however, the end game - Elias is motivated to also build an instrument that retains the beautiful tonal qualities found in traditional instruments, with excellent balance and richness of timbre.

As impressive as the design of this guitar is - it is equally matched by its appearance. Beautiful materials include high-grade cedar for the soundboard and dramatic green ebony for the back and sides. The guitar has Elias' bold, modern look with geometrical patterns in the rosette and head veneer - inspired by seventh-century Persian carvings - all executed with a high level of precision. We are happy to be the exclusive US dealer for Elias Bonet and look forward to seeing many more guitars in the future!

Photos of this guitar taken during construction

Elias Bonet has a very eclectic background. He graduated with a degree in industrial design from the EINA Centre for Art and Design in Barcelona and then studied classical and flamenco guitar at the Liceu Conservatory in the same city. He was also the world trial bike champion several times. In the year 2000, Elias co-founded Lacreativa.com, a design studio, but in 2009 he left the world of industrial design to dedicate himself professionally to guitar-making. It was by a chance meeting with the Yagüe brothers which provided Elias the opportunity to build his first guitar in their workshop after he tried to order one from them. From the first cut of wood, Elias was spellbound by this new, mysterious world of lutherie. In addition to learning from the Yagüe brothers, Elias also befriended Juan Antonio Reyes Torres, another excellent guitar-maker who opened his doors to Elias. After several years of apprenticing, Elias finally opened his own workshop in March of 2009 and has been building professionally on his own as an independent maker since then.