2023 Bertrand Ligier SP/AR

This classical guitar was built by the extremely talented luthier Bertrand Ligier, who builds guitars in the Languedoc region of Southern France. As with each new guitar we receive from him, this instrument features his latest body design, based on the accumulation of many years of constant research. In the never-ending quest to improve his work, Bertrand has once again made slight modifications to give it more aesthetic balance. The proportions of his headstock design and purflings have been adjusted accordingly as well. The tie block design at the bridge is inspired by Simplicio - a very charming, yet subtle homage to one of his influences, but done in his own unique way with the central part in relief, almost like a carved jewel. Although 'new' in many ways, this is still clearly in the style of the French school - austere and complex, yet understated.

Soundwise, Bertrand's quest is to maximally increase the acoustic capabilities of his instruments while maintaining a beautiful quality of sound. This guitar is the fourth (to us) where Bertrand has left the French mounting technique for the Spanish method in an effort to to improve the relationship between the neck and body - particularly the soundboard. It was a difficult technical decision for him because it required changing several details of his building process, including the creation of new moulds. These latest guitars are more balanced with strong and lyrical basses and an especially improved first string. The sound remains as classy as before but with perhaps a bit more old-world charm. The bracing of the top has six full-length bars, symmetrically placed with three on the treble side and three on the bass side. In place of a center brace, instead he has a 'half' bar in the center from the bridge to the foot, and two shorter braces fanning away from the soundhole, but terminating at the bridge. There are also two Bouchet-style braces - one under the front edge of bridge and the other just behind the bridge, yielding a very flexible area for the bridge to move efficiently, yet remain structurally stable. As with his previous instruments, this one also has double sides - the inside of this guitar being of spruce which Bertrand chose for its lightweight quality and because it was often used for back and sides during the Romantic period (for example in instruments of Rene Lacote). This makes the body stiffer yet still lightweight, which in turn helps direct more vibration to the soundboard. This improves projection (particularly in concert settings), and improves the depth and sturdiness of the basses, as well as more rounded and focused trebles.

Ligier has not only become recognized for his great quality of sound, but also for his remarkable woodworking skills. The amazing attention to detail found in his inlay work is second-to-none, rivaling the top, most skilled woodworkers in the trade. His intricate and perfectly executed rosette designs have become a hallmark of his work. This one in particular has a mosaic with 'bean' pattern inspired by Daniel Friederich's famous rosette. His pore-filling and French polish work have a mirror-like, perfectly consistent sheen over the entirety of the instrument. This is a maker with a great sense of style combined with a virtuosity in the delivery. Materials are also first-rate, this one built with a beautiful European spruce top, and an exquisite set of African rosewood for the back and sides - although it appears to be a 3-piece back, it's actually 4, the centerpiece has no purfling giving it the appearance of a single piece of wood. Tuners are Alessi H1 with ebony buttons. And it sounds as good as it looks - it has precise balance, and supreme clarity between voices with a sophisticated voice - very pronounced fundamental and highly controlled overtones. Overall an incredibly satisfying instrument on all counts, and we recommend his guitars to players of any level, from the advanced student to accomplished professionals.

Photos of this guitar taken during construction.

Orfeo Article on Bertrand Ligier