This brand-new classical guitar is an exceptional homage to the master luthier Andrea Tacchi's highest model, the "Coclea Thucea". Built by his dedicated student, Jialan, this instrument is more than a tribute; it is a meticulously crafted work of art, fully endorsed by Tacchi himself.
The "Coclea Thucea" Design
The heart of this guitar is its innovative soundboard, a design born from Maestro Tacchi's deep acoustic and artistic understanding. The name "Coclea Thucea" itself is a testament to its genius: "Coclea," the Latin word for the inner ear, and "Thucea," a portmanteau of "Thuja Plicata" (cedar) and "Picea Excelsa" (spruce). This unique combination of a cedar and spruce top is designed to maximize soundboard efficiency and strength, resulting in a guitar that is both remarkably loud and exquisitely responsive, all without compromising its beautiful, full-bodied tone.
Every detail of this instrument is a testament to its luxury and Jialan's dedication to his craft. The unique Fibonacci rosette features golden inlays made of genuine gold, spelling out the sequence found in nature and art. The rosette is further adorned with meticulously set gemstones at each end. The mahogany bridge is thoughtfully dyed on both sides to reduce weight and enhance responsiveness while maintaining an elegant aesthetic.
Specifications:
Top: Cedar and Spruce
Back and Sides: Wenge, laminated with Mahogany
Scale: 650mm
Tuners: Barnett
Condition: Brand New
Final thoughts: Playing this instrument is not merely a musical act; it is an immersive artistic and cultural experience that embodies a legacy of masterful luthiery.
This guitar makes me feel scared for the independent luthiers. It has balanced sound, effortless playability, and robust modern power. It represents an outstanding value in the current market, making it an ideal choice for both professional musicians and discerning enthusiasts.
Construction and Tone
Top: This guitar features a cedar top, celebrated for its warm, rich, and responsive tonal characteristics. Cedar tops are known for producing a mature sound from day one, offering a deep and complex palette.
Bracing: The heart of this instrument's powerful voice lies in its wooden lattice bracing. This design allows for a lighter and thinner soundboard, resulting in increased volume, projection, and responsiveness. The guitarist notes that this combination offers a balance between traditional sound and modern power. This technique provides the robust, concert-level power of a modern guitar without sacrificing the organic beauty, sustain, and tonal color changes that are essential for expressive playing. The result is a guitar that is both acoustically powerful and musically nuanced.
Back and Sides: The back and sides are crafted from a very beautiful, well-figured ziricote, a visually stunning and highly sought-after tonewood. A beautiful hard wood that contributes to a clear, powerful bass response and sparkling trebles.
Scale: The standard 650mm scale length provides a familiar and comfortable feel for most classical guitarists.
Finish: This instrument features a durable lacquer finish, which makes it more resilient and low-maintenance compared to the more delicate French polish. The guitarist in the video notes that you do not have to "baby" this instrument, making it an excellent choice for a daily-use guitar or for a touring musician who needs a tough and reliable instrument that can handle the demands of travel and performance without constant maintenance.
Final Thoughts: This guitar's perfect balance, freedom from wolf tones, and effortless responsiveness make it a highly versatile instrument capable of meeting the demands of any repertoire. The guitar's chords are noted to blend well together, and it offers great sustain. Given its superior build quality, exceptional sound, and robust construction, it offers a performance and value that challenges instruments at a much higher price point.
Daniel Friederich is widely regarded as one of the greatest classical guitar luthiers in the world. His instruments are revered for their perfect balance, lyrical voice, and an almost unending sustain. The hallmarks of a Friederich—a consistently silky tone, remarkable color changes, and immense power—have made them the pinnacle of traditional guitar building. As a result, pristine examples of his late-era work now command prices in the range of $80,000, placing them beyond the reach of many musicians.
Fortunately, it is possible to experience this legendary sound through exceptional replicas. This instrument, built by the renowned Cao brothers of China, stands as one of the finest examples available. The luthiers have dedicated their careers to faithfully recreating the genius of Friederich, going so far as to acquire two of his original guitars to study every intricate detail.
The craftsmanship is immediately evident in the stunning French polish and the refined, elegant sound. As someone who had played 10 Daniel Friederich originals, I can assure that this instrument feels familiar and comfortable. The Cao brothers have meticulously replicated the Friederich bracing system using all spruce, resulting in a slightly lighter instrument that is more responsive and easier to play than a late-era Friederich original. This considered design ensures that while the guitar captures all the essential qualities of its master, it is also highly accessible and a pleasure for any player to handle.
Specifications:
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 52mm
Top: cedar
Back and sides: Indian rosewood, laminated with mahogany
Bracing: All spruce, slightly lighter than original Friederich models
Finish: Exquisite French polish
Final thoughts: This is more than just a guitar; it is a successful artistic and acoustic tribute to a master, offering the power, refinement, and lyrical qualities of a Daniel Friederich at a fraction of the cost.
An Exquisite Homage to the French School: A 2012 Bertrand Ligier Classical Guitar
This 2012 Bertrand Ligier guitar is an exceptional and highly unique instrument, representing a pivotal moment in the luthier's early career. As Ligier's 30th guitar—from a limited production of only 4 to 5 instruments per year—it is a testament to his meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to tradition. Crafted in France, this guitar stands as a magnificent tribute to the "giants" of the French lutherie tradition.
This particular model is a remarkable synthesis of the most esteemed principles of the French school. Ligier masterfully integrates the most celebrated elements from three legendary luthiers:
Robert Bouchet: The headstock and rosette design are an explicit homage to Bouchet, whose instruments are revered for their aesthetic and acoustic perfection. Original Bouchet guitars typically command prices around $100,000 USD today.
Daniel Friederich: The sides are expertly laminated with mahogany, a technique famously employed by Friederich to enhance structural stability and sound projection. Later-era Friederich guitars from the 2000s and beyond are valued at $60,000 USD and more.
Dominique Field: The entire bracing system is based on the highly effective designs of Dominique Field, a master whose work is currently valued around $50,000 USD.
This "three-in-one" approach has since been retired by Ligier as he has developed his own distinct style. This makes this 2012 model a rare and highly sought-after collector's item, offering an unparalleled historical and acoustic experience that is no longer in production.
Specs:
Top: Spruce
Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood
Sides: Laminated with Mahogany
Scale Length: 650mm
String Spacing on the Bridge: 55 mm (about 3 mm smaller than standard)
Construction Details:
Bracing: Dominique Field's bracing system
Side Construction: Laminated, in the style of Daniel Friederich
Headstock & Rosette: Homage to Robert Bouchet
Final Thoughts: This guitar is a feast for both the eyes and ears. Its aesthetic is defined by the refined French designs and legacies, that give it a refined and classy appearance. Sonically, it is a beautifully balanced instrument with clear, powerful trebles and rich, full basses—a rare achievement for a luthier at such an early stage in their career. The top is made of spruce, while the back and sides are Indian rosewood with laminated mahogany sides, all built to a 650mm scale. This guitar not only looks exquisite but performs at the highest level, making it a compelling investment. Considering the combined prestige of the luthiers whose work it honors, this instrument offers extraordinary value.