2012 Jean-Noel Rohe SP/CSAR

Based in Strasbourg, France, Jean-Noël Rohé is considered to be the top French maker of his generation - not just by all those who see and play his instruments, but also by none other than Daniel Friederich and Dominique Field, who are among his most avid supporters. We are delighted to have added this fine maker to our roster, and with this particular guitar (just his his 56th instrument to date) we find that it has the maturity, sophistication, and technical execution normally found in instruments of great masters only after reaching their prime. The craftsmanship is second to none, not only is it extremely tasteful but it is perfectly executed to the minutest of details. Sound is uniquely Rohé's but there are some influences that can be detected. The Friederich-like use of double sides (Rohé uses cypress, more like Ramirez than Friederich, who uses mahogany) re-enforces the box, providing a cathedral-like acoustic environment from which the sound proceeds. There is a firmness to the core of each note yet it is enveloped in a velvety texture of controlled overtones, which gives fullness and great body to each note - this achieves both clarity and warmth that is the desired goal of most guitar makers. This unique sound has great style, all who hear and play are won over by its charm.

Rohé likes to compare the making of a guitar to wine-making, in that the vintner's personality is present in the final product in much the same way as the luthier's does. Grape varieties and scents blend in the similar fashion as do wooden framework and sound structure. One can appreciate the tonal qualities of the note as one can appreciate the complex taste of a particular wine. For the connoisseur of fine guitars, this maker's work does for the ears what the finest wines do the palates of the most discriminating wine aficionados.

Although a used guitar, this instrument (#56) is in excellent condition with only minor playing wear in the finish.

Photos of this guitar during construction.Orfeo Magazine #7 - French School Luthiery