Olivier Fanton d'Andon - 2010
Olivier Fanton d'Andon - 2010
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
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Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Olivier Fanton d’Andon was born in France in 1953 into a family of musicians. He first studied the flute and later the classical guitar before turning to instrument making after completing his medical studies. In 1986 he was awarded the title Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and his work has since received further distinction, including the rank of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. His guitars are known for their refinement of execution and for a highly individual approach to form and construction.
Fanton d’Andon belongs to that small group of contemporary makers whose instruments are immediately recognisable both in visual language and in structural conception. His work is marked by precision, a clear artistic identity, and a persistent interest in how design choices shape tonal behaviour. Rather than following established models too closely, he has developed a personal vocabulary that gives his guitars a distinct place within modern concert guitar making.
About the guitar
This 2010 guitar is a modern instrument with spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, and radial bracing, finished in French polish. Its construction gives it a strong sense of individuality, both visually and acoustically. The body feels slightly broader in proportion than many standard classical guitars, and this contributes to a sound that combines fullness with clarity in a particularly convincing way.
The voice is notable for its rounded and airy trebles, which carry unusual substance without becoming heavy. They have a soft, almost French elegance in character, with a smoothness that allows phrases to unfold naturally. Response is immediate and reliable, and the instrument maintains a pleasing sense of control under the hand. Sustain is very good, especially in the upper register, where notes remain present and connected without losing focus.
What makes this guitar especially interesting is the coherence of its design. The sound is responsive, full, and well integrated across the registers, with enough colour to support nuanced playing while retaining a stable tonal centre. Maple is often associated with quickness and definition, and here those qualities are present, yet they are balanced by breadth and roundness rather than dryness. The result is an instrument of strong musical poise, combining clarity, comfort, and a refined modern voice.
Condition
The guitar shows only signs of normal wear consistent with its age.
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.