The same source… the guitar
My first encounter with the guitar came in my teens. The first sounds that caught my attention were the simple, spellbinding skank of dear old Nesta.
Over time, the heart and the ear open up, looking for new sounds, different colours, setting off in search of new horizons.
All these emotions led me back to the same source… the guitar.
First steps
So I went and knocked on the door of a luthier in Lyon. Rodolphe Chollier welcomed me like a father into his world of woody scents. Always cheerful and sometimes teasing, he introduced me to the workings of the guitar and how it functions. Thank you, Rodolphe — it was with you that I took my first steps in this wonderful world.
I then contacted the European Technological Institute for Music Trades (ITEMM) in Le Mans.
Back to school, intensely…
Workshop classes to learn the basics of the trade: guitar and bass repair and setup.
Various luthiers teach in different fields: wood joinery and mechanics, electronics, finishing, tool making, sharpening, etc.
Also on the programme: technical drawing, applied maths, acoustics, musicology, organology, music theory, computing, English.
Two internship periods during the course. Once again, luthier Rodolphe Chollier welcomed me into his workshop.
Then, very quickly, I joined a new course, this time focused on making traditional instruments.
Mr Chance
It was here that I met someone very important to me: the instrument maker Chance (yes, that really is his name — it means “luck” in French), who specialises in making and repairing hurdy-gurdies. Raymond is a man of impressive build, endlessly generous, who answers all your questions without holding anything back.
Together we set out to build two flamenco guitars… The first guitars for both of us. A wonderful adventure and great moments shared. I can never thank him enough! It was a great honour to be your humble student. Thank you, Mr Chance.
An internship in Morocco
Next came a short internship in Morocco, with a very talented luthier in Casablanca. He built his first oud at the age of 7 with his father, himself a luthier. Khalid Belaiba also gave me an extraordinary experience. I even have a few stories to tell, for the curious…
Thank you for inviting me and opening the doors of your workshop. Thank you for your generosity and for those wonderful moments at “school”.
A fresh start, a new workshop
Back in France: a fresh start, a new experience, a return to lutherie, in my new workshop.
I spend a few sleepless nights rediscovering my precious woods
Like a lover long gone, I rediscover them with my hands, ever so gently
Caressing them, feeling their fibres, letting their scents wash over me
What joy!!!
Internship in Malaga
Next stop: Andalusia. I spent a month in Malaga, in the workshop of luthier Pablo Requena.
A month of working side by side, one-on-one with Pablo. He shares his techniques, his method and his vision of the instrument, and I work alongside him at the bench, day after day. More than training: a true collaboration, the kind that helps a luthier grow.
Thank you, Pablo, for your trust, your patience and your hospitality. ¡Muchas gracias, maestro!
My motto: nothing is ever taken for granted!
I’m back to building nylon-string guitars (classical and flamenco). You always have to try, start again, improve! With each new creation I search, test and learn.
I work with different woods; each has its own character and its own tonal colours. I work on their thickness, according to their stiffness and density. I work on the bracing — I search, modify and compare. And of course I work on the sound, the balance, the dynamics, the intonation, and also the playing comfort.
A luthier works, above all, for the musician.
His work must match the musician’s tastes and expectations.
He becomes a mediator, seeking a balance between Man and Matter…
beautiful moments to share!