Classical Guitar 87 - Robert Bouchet

Robert Bouchet (1898-1986) is the most well-known and sought-after classical guitar manufacturer after Antonio de Torres. Although Robert Bouchet was known in Paris as a painting professor, he devoted the latter portion of his highly artistic life to the craft of guitar making. He made remarkable, beautiful guitars in Paris in the second half of the twentieth century, launching a fundamentally novel approach to guitar building that is now known as the "French school of guitar building." Only 154 guitars were manufactured by Robert Bouchet, yet he left a lasting influence in the classical guitar world.

This instrument, which bears the number 87, was produced in the same year as Karl Scheit's Bouchet and is a true jewel. The artistic quality of Bouchet's guitar can be seen just by looking at it. Starting with the gorgeous head and well-shaped neck, the amazing rosette with its interesting hues, and the most beautiful plantilla ever made. All of this comes together to form this magnificent work of art.

The top of the guitar has six fully stable and healed cracks. One on the left side of the fingerboard and two on the right. One on the treble side is longer, one on the bass side is shorter, and one in the center joint is shorter.

When playing the first notes on this 1962 guitar, one wonders whether Bouchet was a magician rather than a painter/guitar maker. The sustain appears to go on forever. With a beautiful, almost lyrical voice, this Bouchet has a really pleasant and soulful sound character. The trebles are velvety and emphasized, the basses are delicate and generous, and the voice separation is superb. The playability is ideal, resulting in lively and responsive strings. Every tone unfolds flawlessly and is reminiscent of a cathedral bell in its depth and richness. This guitar is capable of excelling in any scenario; it is truly a concert guitar of the greatest caliber.