Hugues Boivin - 2025

About the luthier

Hugues Boivin began his path in lutherie in 1997 with a course dedicated to the construction of lute-family instruments. Though brief, this early training laid the technical foundation for his first guitar. While later completing a degree in musicology, he continued to build instruments independently. In 2008, during a long-term stay abroad, he decided to devote himself fully to lutherie. Over the next four years, he focused on historical instruments — lutes, Baroque and Romantic guitars — alongside selected classical models. Since 2012, Hugues has worked from his workshop in Merry La Vallée, Burgundy, where he now specializes in classical guitars. His work reflects both his experience with historical instruments and his methodical approach to construction. Each guitar is the result of precise, consistent craftsmanship, shaped by a deep familiarity with the traditions of the instrument.

About the guitar

This classical guitar, completed in 2025, is built using traditional methods and reflects Hugues Boivin’s disciplined, detail-oriented approach. The structure follows a classic seven-fan bracing design with a transverse bar placed behind the bridge, offering both stability and tonal clarity. The spruce top is paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, a time-tested combination that delivers articulate trebles and a well-defined bass response. The rosette is selected with care, harmonizing visually with the color and texture of the top. The French polish finish enhances the natural grain and provides an acoustically responsive surface. The neck features a 51.5 mm nut width and a 650 mm scale, ensuring traditional playability and consistent string spacing. Tonally, the instrument is balanced and focused. The trebles are clear and controlled, while the basses support with definition rather than excess resonance. The response is direct, rewarding precise articulation, and suited to repertoire that benefits from clarity and dynamic control. The Perona tuners operate with precision and complement the understated elegance of the overall design.