Benoit Lavoie is an independent luthier based in the Quebec province of Canada, who Rudy met at the Woodstock Luthier Festival some years ago. Benoit makes incredible archtop guitars using the finest tone woods.
This is one extremely responsive and very modern approach to a flat top guitar, and the end result is pure beauty. The guitar is equipped with an Adirondack spruce top, Palo Escrito back and sides, a flamed maple neck reinforced with 4 carbon rods, Pau Ferro fingerboard and a 14" radius. Comes with a hardshell case.
A little more about the builder:
Stringed instrument making is both an art and a science. Benoit's work lies at the meeting point of these two approaches.
Beyond their aesthetic refinement, his instruments offer the musician a truly unique blend of acoustic balance and power. Furthermore, the appeal of his instruments comes from his ability to consistently replicate a high sound quality in every instrument he makes. This is the direct result of his use of an advanced acoustic analysis system he has developed in partnership with a company specializing in acoustic measurement.
One thing that underlines Benoit's craft is how he chooses to blend tonewoods, sometimes treading the classical route, sometimes experimenting with bold modern combinations. The delicate and simple ornamentation combined with his meticulous attention to details help bring out beauty and uniqueness of the wood. Although his work is based on the great stringed-instrument making tradition, he constantly seeks to redefine his approach so as to achieve the ultimate sound quality of the instrument.
Whether making a guitar, a violin, a cello or a double bass, Benoit Lavoie always seeks to find new ways of refining his craft. Each and every instrument he makes is an expression of his creativity and dynamic approach.
Benoit has chosen to work far from major centers. He lives in his native village because he wants to contribute to the vitality of his community. Visitors are welcome in his Petit-Saguenay workshop, either for repair services or to try one his creations.
