Description
Lacote Style Romantic Guitar by Marfione Guitars
This Lacote style romantic guitar represents my ongoing exploration of early 19th-century French guitar design, adapted for modern players. Rather than copying a single historical instrument, I build guitars that honor the lineage of René Lacôte while addressing today’s expectations for stability, consistency, and long-term serviceability.
Romantic guitars hold a distinct place in the evolution of the instrument. Compared to later Spanish concert classical guitars, a Lacote style romantic guitar emphasizes immediacy, clarity, and focus. These instruments were designed for salons and smaller rooms, where nuance mattered more than sheer projection. That same character continues to appeal to players seeking intimacy and expressive control.
Curly Walnut and Period-Inspired Construction
This instrument features curly walnut back and sides, selected for both tonal balance and visual elegance. Walnut offers clarity and warmth without excess weight, which pairs naturally with the lighter build of Romantic-era guitars. The body proportions, bracing approach, and overall voicing reflect historical intent while benefiting from modern precision.
Voicing and Tonal Character
The tonal response is quick and articulate, with a transparent midrange and clear separation between voices. This makes the guitar especially responsive to right-hand nuance and dynamic variation. Chords remain defined, while melodic lines project with focus rather than mass.
Modern Refinement and Long-Term Reliability
Although rooted in historical design, this Lacote style romantic guitar includes discreet modern refinements. These updates improve structural reliability and help the instrument remain stable across changing environments. My goal is to create a guitar that inspires confidence through daily use, travel, and long-term ownership.
Who This Guitar Is For
This model suits players exploring early Romantic repertoire, 19th-century technique, or historically informed performance. It also appeals to classical guitarists who want the character of a Romantic guitar without the fragility of an antique instrument.
If you’d like help comparing this model with other Romantic guitars or custom-built guitars, I’m always happy to talk. You can also learn more about my approach on the Lacote Style Guitars page.
