My Lacote-style guitars hold a special place in my work. There’s something magical about the clarity, intimacy, and responsiveness of a fine 19th-century guitar, and I’ve spent years studying how René Lacote achieved that unmistakable elegance.
My goal isn’t to copy these historic instruments—it’s to build Romantic guitars that honor their lineage while offering the reliability, structural integrity and of course, the nuanced sound palette today’s players expect.
Most of these guitars begin as commissions, shaped through conversations about tone, feel, and aesthetics. On occasion, I’ll build an on-spec instrument simply because the wood on my bench inspires me; when I do, you’ll find them listed under Lacote Style in Romantic Guitars in the Guitars For Sale section. If the sound and character of a Romantic guitar speaks to you, I’d be glad to talk about building one specifically for you.
My approach to building Lacote guitars combines traditional methodology with deliberate, thoughtful evolution. I start with the principles that defined early Romantic-era instruments—lightweight bodies, responsive tops, ladder bracing, and the unmistakable clarity that players associate with Lacote. From there, I bring in modern refinements that enhance stability and serviceability without disturbing the essence of the period voice.
The sides are laminated using spruce and hardwood, a technique that preserves the quick, articulate response of historic Romantic guitars while adding projection and structural consistency. The thin French-polished finish keeps the guitar lively and open. And while Lacote relied on a simple glued mortise-and-tenon for his necks, I use a CNC-cut, hand-fitted bolt-on V-joint—a respectful update that allows perfect neck-angle control and effortless maintenance over the life of the instrument.
Tonewoods vary depending on the player’s needs and the spirit of each build: curly maple for brilliance and elegance, Australian walnut for warmth and color, ziricote or Indian rosewood for depth and richness, cherry for a focused, intimate voice. Pegheds planetary tuners give you precise, modern tuning stability while maintaining the silhouette of period pegs.
Whether you’re drawn to the clarity of early Romantic repertoire, exploring historically informed performance, or simply love the unmistakable character of a Lacote-style guitar, I’d be happy to collaborate on a commission. And if a spec build is available, you’ll see it listed under Lacote Style in Romantic Guitars in the Guitars For Sale section.
