2014 Bertrand Ligier SP/IN

This 2014 Bertrand Ligier is a classical guitar with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, built in the Languedoc region of southern France, and only his 39th instrument.

Bertrand Ligier's 39th Guitar

Being just his 39th instrument, it is absolutely remarkable for its beauty of tone, quality of build and detailed aesthetic.

By this point Bertrand had decided to focus his creative energies exclusively on European spruce soundboards (he had built with cedar in the past); this one has a very fine top from the Swiss Alps with an asymmetrical fan bracing system, double sides with an interior layer of cypress (4.5 mm combined), and a back structure composed of five crossed rods. The system of back and sides is thus reinforced, allowing an optimal transfer of energy from the strings to the soundboard and to the neck. This reinforced structure also improves the projection of the instrument, creating deep and sturdy basses, as well as rounded and focused trebles. And, most interestingly, the neck and body are made separately and joined at the very end of the process - so-called "French mounting". The resulting sound is beautifully lyrical, loose and open, even for a new spruce instrument.

Appearance and Condition

The appearance of the guitar is based on Bertrand's studies of the great master guitars of the present and past, and naturally one can see hints of Bouchet in the headstock, Friederich in the plantilla and Field in the rosette - however, the total guitar is uniquely Ligier. Tuning machines are by Nicolo Alessi, with exotic snakewood in the buttons and plate inlays.

Although used, it is in excellent condition with only mild playing wear in the finish. An exceptional instrument all around by one of France's top young luthiers.

Photos of this guitar being built

Orfeo Magazine article on Bertrand Ligier

Bertrand Ligier and the French School

Based in southern France, Bertrand Ligier is considered one of the best makers of the new French generation. Since we have been working with him, his work has constantly evolved with each guitar to reach higher levels of craftsmanship and musicality that are now internationally recognized. His attention to aesthetics and his keen sense of sound place him in the tradition of the French school that begins with Robert Bouchet, followed by Daniel Friederich, Dominique Field, Jean-Noël Rohé and now Bertrand Ligier. Indeed, both Dominique Field and Jean-Noël Rohé have played an important role for Bertrand through their helpful advice and continuous support of his work for many years.

A Workshop in Connaux, near Avignon

Before turning to the guitar, Bertrand studied art history and then trained as a cabinet-maker, with apprenticeships in the south of France and in Spain. He works in Connaux, a village between Avignon, Nîmes and Uzès, in a former silkworm house that he renovated himself into his workshop. With a growing wait-list and increasing international demand, we are pleased to have US exclusivity with this fine maker, who provides us one instrument per year.