Description
Louis Panormo – an incredibly beautiful and rare romantic guitar from 1832.
The French-born Louis Panormo (1784-1862), and his brothers, were 19th century England’s finest guitar makers and among the only luthiers outside Spain making guitars “in the Spanish style,” as the labels in Louis’ guitars note.
It is said that his guitars were closer to the modern Torres style guitar than any other maker of his day, but luthier and scholar Richard Brune has described Panormo’s guitars as closer in inspiration to the pre-Torres makers of Cadiz and Málaga.
Louis Panormo was one of Fernando Sor’s recommended luthiers, but Sor’s visit to Panormo’s Bloomsbury shop during his London stay was to visit Louis’ older brother, Joseph (1767-1837).
This particular 1832 Louis Panormo guitar was Panormo’s top regular model, with brazilian rosewood back and sides and a mother of pearl rosette. It was made in the Spanish style with seven fan braces (yes before Torres).
It has the most beautiful tuners by Baker which over 185 years later still work perfectly. An exceptionally complete and playable instrument with original tuners and complete and intact original coffin case.
It has been restored and some cracks has been glued – everything you’d expect from a guitar that age. Now it again presents itself in a nice condition.
It has a remarkably full tone. Amazing how loud this small guitar can be. The tone has been beautifully matured and presents the most beautiful timbres you can imagine. The combination of Brazilian rosewood and spruce on this guitar is pure magic. This is the perfect guitar for someone who is searching for a beautiful and yet different sound.
This guitar is fully playable and plays amazingly easy all the way down the neck. The neck is straight and the action is very good at 2.6 mm E6 and 1.9 mm E1. It has the common scale length of 633 mm and a 46 mm nut width.
A real joy to play, this 187 year old guitar that represented the cutting edge in concert quality guitars in its day. This fine example should continue to make music for centuries to come!
