The Essence of a Guitar

M Sarad · #1 10-30-2011, 10:27 AM

A few years ago, I went to the last Luthiers' Consortium at Winter NAMM. In a suite full of guitars by many top luthiers, one stood out, a Laurent Brondel A2 of Sapele and Carpathian Spruce. I tried to swing a few deals to get it, but the stars were not aligned in my favor.
I watched with great interest Laurent's builds during the intervening years and made a few positive online comments. Laurent and I began a dialogue and decided on a new A2Essential. I wanted Wenge; he countered with Cocobolo. After I agreed to Coco, he cut some Wenge and emailed me ecstatic over the tap tone.
Back to Wenge, an idea I got from Stefan Sobell, who uses Brazilian/Indian Rosewood and has good results with Wenge. Since I have three Brazilian guitars, I wanted something else. I like the straight grained look of old Brazilian, but the price for that is more than the guitar itself most likely. I don't need bling. I am interested in sound and playability. I love Laurent's aristic sensibilities. I love his signature sound. I trust his judgement and have told him so.

Laurent started right after he returned from Woodstock, and his progress over the last four days is astounding.

http://www.laurentbrondel.com/Site/Matt.html

Larry Pattis · #2 10-30-2011, 10:41 AM

Excellent situation, Matt!

Laurent has my full respect, and I know folks like you (with an eye & ear towards the highest-quality) will keep the great builds coming...

Billy Boy · #3 10-30-2011, 10:58 AM

Beautiful...amazing how much has been accomplished in a few days...congratulations on this commission...

M Sarad · #4 11-02-2011, 10:23 AM

Laurent has the body closed and the neck done. Now he will seal the Wenge and begin the finishing. I cannot believe that he got all the wood work done in a week.

http://www.laurentbrondel.com/Site/Matt.html#grid

Berf · #5 11-02-2011, 11:04 AM

Looking great Matt and Laurent...

Wade Hampton · #6 11-02-2011, 01:24 PM

Looks very cool. Once you receive it, I'll be very interested to hear your report on how it sounds.

Wade Hampton Miller

El Conquistador · #7 11-02-2011, 03:17 PM

Matt,
Can't wait to see this one come to life. As you know, I love my Brondel.

Steve

riorider · #8 11-02-2011, 04:09 PM

Beautiful! And amazing so much progress in a short time.

I think you'll love the wenge. One of John Mayes' guitars that still haunts me is a wenge / cedar.

Best,

Phil

redcloud · #9 11-02-2011, 05:09 PM

I have a lot of respect for Mr. Brondel and at Healdsburg had had a chance to speak to him for 45". He seems a very knowledgeable and pleasant fellow and now I see he is very efficient! Wow, what progress! Very nice.

corbetta · #10 11-03-2011, 09:29 PM

Fantastic stuff Matt and Laurent.