Louis Panormo - 1838 No. 2207 63 cm
Louis Panormo - 1838 No. 2207 63 cm
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Louis Panormo was one of the most important guitar makers active in England during the first half of the nineteenth century. Born in Paris around 1784 into a family of instrument makers of Italian origin, he later settled in London where he established himself as a leading figure in the development of the early romantic guitar. Panormo worked during a period of rapid evolution in guitar design and is widely credited with introducing Spanish inspired fan bracing to instruments built in England. His work reflects a deep understanding of both French and Spanish traditions and played a decisive role in shaping the voice and construction of the romantic guitar.
Panormo’s guitars were admired for their refinement, structural intelligence and musical sensitivity. They were sought after by professional musicians and connoisseurs of his time and remain highly respected today for their historical importance and acoustic qualities. Surviving instruments are rare and provide invaluable insight into the transition from early nineteenth century guitar making toward the later Spanish school.
About the guitar
This guitar from 1838 is an exceptional example of Louis Panormo’s mature work and a rare surviving instrument from the golden age of romantic guitar making. It is traditionally constructed with a spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The 630 millimetre scale and narrow nut reflect period practice and contribute to the intimate physical presence of the instrument. At just 1140 grams the guitar is remarkably light, underscoring the efficiency of its structure and the sensitivity of its response.
The sound is unmistakably romantic in character. The tone is soft, rounded and slightly nasal, with a calm and deeply soothing quality. Notes emerge gently and decay naturally, encouraging expressive phrasing rather than projection driven playing. The voice feels focused yet restrained, allowing simple melodic lines to carry emotional weight without effort. The guitar responds with clarity and precision while maintaining a dark and introspective colour. Its intonation remains stable and convincing, a remarkable achievement for an instrument of this age. Playing this guitar offers a direct connection to the musical language of the early nineteenth century and evokes a sense of stillness and concentration that is rarely encountered in modern instruments.
Condition
The guitar is in very good condition for its age. There are two cracks on the top which have been professionally repaired and are considered stable. The instrument shows signs of use and normal wear but remains structurally sound and fully functional.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.