2023 Thomas Dauge SP/IN

This beautiful instrument was built by French luthier Thomas Dauge, who works in the Bordeaux region of southwest France. This guitar combines aspects of the old Spanish masters (who inspired the beginning of Thomas' guitarmaking journey) with several elements that have now come to define the French school, especially the younger generation. In particular, this guitar has a sturdier/stiffer (and slightly heavier) box which is achieved by adding a series of mahogany strips along the interior of the sides (similar to Dominique Field's approach), as well as by using 3 tall horizontal back braces and two longitudal braces in additon to a wide and thick center brace. One immediate effect of this design is to distribute more of the vibrating surface of the guitar directly to the soundboard, which both improves volume and influences the character of the sound. Another interesting detail is that Thomas (like Daniel Friederich) has moved the bridge proportionally closer to the soundhole. This allows him to place the 12th fret a few millimeters above the neck-to-body joint for noticeably improved playability in that part of the neck, as well making enought space on the fingerboard for a full 19th fret under all 6 strings. This bridge placement is supported by Thomas' bracing system - a modified 7 fan system with his take on the Spanish-stye "treble stiffener" - instead of just one slanted brace below the lower harmonic bar, there is an additional brace below the 3 treble fans, shortening their lengths from both ends.

The resulting sound quality is absolutely amazing - it has a big (almost "husky"), overtone-rich firmness in every note. Rather than producing partials that scatter uncontrollably and "blur out" the fundamental of each note, the overtone content is packed densely and evenly within every note across the register, retaining great clarity to each fundamental. This hearty and thick sound makes playing legato a breeze thanks to the excellent sustain and clear separation. For those players who like a heftier D-shaped neck, this guitar fits the left hand like a glove. The right hand will be happy as well - the guitar has great dynamic range and responds beautifully to the slightest of adjustments in hand position and attack. Sound- and playability-wise, this is a strong concert guitar that could be played in any professional setting, whether in solo or ensemble in any venue regardless of size. On top of all this, it is meticulously built with great class and style from well-selected and cut materials. This is overall a guitar that combines great lyrical beauty with a big, robust sound to satisfy the needs of any modern concert and recording artist.

Photos of this guitar taken during construction.

Orfeo Article on Thomas Dauge