Robert Bouchet – 1953

Item 08

Price: $150,000

Appraised Value 2016: $120,000
Appraised Value 2021: $150,000

SOLD

Bouchet’s output was small, only 154 instruments, but the guitars have a  handsome look, and a lovely distinct sound which have established Bouchet as an essential luthier in the history of the classical guitar.

The soundboard is made from matched halves of spruce with grain spacing varying from 30 per inch near the center seam to 8 per inch at the lower bouts. The rosette has a main pattern band of mosaic diamonds and bars, bounded by circles, giving a classic, “master builder” look. The rosewood bridge has its tie-block capped with a strip of matching mosaic diamonds and bars framed in ivory. The back and sides are made of flame-grained Brazilian rosewood. The neck and head are mahogany with the face of the head veneered with flamed rosewood. The tuning machines have their plates silver-plated and hand-engraved by Bouchet, and the tuning grips are exquisitely carved. The fingerboard is ebony with medium-height frets and a bone nut.

  This instrument is in excellent condition. Its original French polish of shellac finish was over-sprayed sometime in the past, but that overspray has been carefully removed to expose the original shellac finish that has been rejuvenated in some areas of wear. The fingerboard has been refretted. The sound is warm, clear, balanced and controlled. Concert volume is available. The bass is clear and quick.  

Listen to this Guitar


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Guitar Dimension Key

Guitar Dimension Key
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