The unique works created by Thierry Andre combine the expression of a traditional and impeccable craftsmanship, with the freer approach to artistic work. A specialist of the steel string acoustic guitar, his body of work also reflects his love for electric, archtop, and historical instruments. Often using new forms based on proven foundations, Thierry is known for creating guitars with a distinctive and timeless character, each displaying the visual attributes of the past / present, while offering a captivating voice with expansive qualities. As a one-man operation, he has produced 5 to 6 unique pieces each year since 1998.
Featured guitar: In the works and on workbench is the -Clara Archtop- Photo: March 2020.
This guitar is named after our little girl Clara, and is turning-out to be a very special build for me.
From its initial stages of build and design, I wanted the guitar to have a special story of its own :
-I never thought that the world would turn-around like this in the following weeks (read: March 13th 2020).
-Since at first, the -Clara Archtop- was scheduled to be played at HGGS in a demo-concert by Michael Watts, one guitarist which I fondly admire, for his playing and enjoyable and (fantastic!) person, we engaged into a discussion about the guitar, its pickups, 25 inch scale length, woods, etc. during the last weeks.
This -guitar talk- led to a form of very collaborative and fun effort, for to make the best out-of this guitar, from the player/luthier perspective.
More lately, and thanks to Michael, the excitement about this guitar is on-going, and is now even more-so shared : From a blog article on his website, to a larger discussion and build-thread on the AGF acoustic guitar forum, it will be fun to find-out how this creation evolves.
I will leave you with the link (below) to my website page dedicated to this guitar. There, you will find all the information needed to be able to follow this very special instrument’s creation, and hear some of Michael’s music at the same time!
As of May 2020, this is the only guitar that I will have available for sale this year, although my build-list is still very manageable, and I am still taking special requests for to be delivered late next year or later.
I am wishing everyone the best times possible in the current situation, and am thankful to EVERYONE here! We all, are in the same process of -reclaiming the poetry of life- in our days.
I personally can’t wait to meet you and the music again, very soon, and in-person.
All the best!
Thierry
This ‘guitar show’ is also a celebration of craftsmanship, of human work, that expresses itself beyond the profitable market. This is a unique opportunity to feel its pulse, as well as yours, most likely!
Photo Copyright: Jean Fitzgerald (instrument photos) and Anne-Marie Amyot (portrait and workshop photos)