Olivier Planchon - 2022 No. 226

Born in 1961, Olivier Planchon discovered the classical and flamenco guitar at the age of 13. After studying at the École Supérieure d’Art Graphique de Paris, he worked as a freelance artistic director in communication and publishing. In 1999, he gave himself five years to design and build concert guitars and began an informal apprenticeship with his friend Daniel Lesueur, who introduced him to Daniel Freiderich. Encouraged by these two renowned luthiers, Olivier set up a workshop near Paris where he made his first concert guitars. In 2007, he was awarded the title of "Meilleur Ouvrier de France". Since 2008, he has been working in the hinterland of Nice, where he has set up a large workshop with his partner, the ceramic sculptor Karine Benvenuti. A few words about his background and his Philosophy:

“Daniel Lesueur taught me about the love of labor in search of perfection. Having been himself apprenticed by Daniel Friedrich, he shared with me his secrets and those he had learned from his «master». To dive into the imagining and manufacture of a classical guitar seems something of mystical initiation. The utmost in concentration is required to follow along the long path arriving at, perhaps, a «great» instrument. My idea of a great instrument, first of all, is one that is true to my tastes, more so than passing fashions. Throughout my research I’ve tried to find the answers to problems that could not be explained by my mentors. As in all artistic works, the questions are never-ending, and in that is the joy of the craft – every day brings a fresh discovery. Humility before the breathing material and the absolutes of acoustics linked to these variegated woods is the core of the luthier trade. I feel somewhat like a sculptor in sound.”

This wonderful guitar numbered 226 has a stunning spruce soundboard and Indian rosewood back and sides. Olivier Planchon's rosettes are always amazing and are spontaneously crafted, unique pieces that are never found a second time. With its interlacing, contrasting colors, and textures due to the use of a variety of precious woods, this rosette is a true work of art. Soundwise, this guitar impresses thanks to a striking volume and fantastic tone clarity. The essence of the sound is lush and dense, with remarkable elegance. Here are a few words from Olivier Planchon about this exceptional instrument:
"This guitar and its bracing are the results of many years of experimentation and reflection. It is a bracing that I would call "historical", resulting from long discussions and exchanges with my two mentors Daniel Lesueur and Daniel Friederich. It is the echo of my aesthetics for a full and balanced sound; I have in some way "sculpted" the sound I was looking for. The basses are present and brilliant, the highs very defined and full-bodied. Moreover, the ebony fingerboard is thinner on the bass side to have a flat string surface which makes the touch more pleasant. The soundboard is made of French Jura spruce from 1998 and the back and sides of Indian rosewood from 2001. All woods are naturally dried in my workshop."