This guitar was built by the talented François Leonard who has been making classical guitars for the past 18 years, starting at the age of 22. His workshop is located in Lorient, France. Francois applies what he has learned from his time spent with English luthiers, building at Lakewood Guitars in Germany, and from his good friend Tobias Berg, not to mention his occasional mentoring from Dominique Field. Additionally, he is very interested in the scientific understanding of both acoustics and psychoacoustics (how sound is perceived) and regularly meets with acousticians to further understand these concepts and how they apply to his instruments.
Being a French luthier, it is no surprise that Francois is heavily influenced by Daniel Friederich and Dominique Field when thinking about his aesthetic presentation as well as structural concepts, including double sides. He takes great pride in his French polish and also finds that this process is like a meditation where one can feel every subtle change in the sound of the muneca, as well as in the mix of alcohol, shellac, and oil. His workmanship and fit and finish are sharp and clean. The tone is very full-bodied - there's a plump juiciness in each note from the basses all the way up to the highest registers in the trebles. It's a very stylish, nuanced sound with great expressiveness. There's plenty of power for any concert situation - whether as a solo instrument or with any sized ensemble.
George Sand stated that "Simplicity is the most difficult thing to secure in this world; It is the last limit of experience." Francois takes this quote very serious and uses it as his mantra to shape his approach to the construction of his instruments.
We are proud to present this fine instrument and to be representing this excellent luthier in the US.
