2021 Bertrand Ligier CD/IN

This guitar was built by the extremely talented luthier Bertrand Ligier, who builds guitars in the Languedoc region of Southern France. We're very pleased to be working with this fine maker and this is an impressive concert-level guitar in every regard. 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 second (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 five bars and an asymmetrical bar under the rosette. As with his previous instruments, this one also has double sides - the inside of this guitar being of spruce which Bertrand chose for it's 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. 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 Western red cedar soundboard (our first from him), and an exquisite 4-piece back of Indian rosewood. 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. Although used, it is in excellent condition with only some very minor wear in the finish. Overall an incredibly satisfying instrument 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 Magazine article on Bertrand Ligier

Based in southern France, Bertrand Ligier is considered to be 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 craftmanship and musicality that are now internationally recognized. His attention to aesthetics and to 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 with Ligier through their helpful advice and continuous support of Bertrand’s work for many years. 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.