Jean-Noël Rohè, 2024

It’s a pleasure to present the first Jean-Noël Rohé to appear at The Guitar Collection—and it’s immediately clear why his work is now considered among the very finest of our time. This is No. 112, completed in 2024, and it stands confidently among the top-tier concert guitars being built today. While echoes of the great French school—Dominique Field, Daniel Friederich, and Robert Bouchet—can be felt in its construction and aesthetics, this instrument goes beyond homage. It possesses a voice and precision that make it a serious contender on the international concert stage, rivaling the very best instruments of today.

Aesthetically, the guitar strikes a rare balance between restraint and detail. The spruce top has a warm, glowing patina with perfectly cut purflings and a tasteful rosette that nods to tradition. The tie block features a subtle yet elegant pearloid element, and the Indian rosewood back and sides are simply stunning, with a natural gradient from light to dark that looks as if it were painted by hand. This same visual motif continues along the sides of the guitar, a testament to Rohé’s thoughtful wood selection.

Inside the guitar, you’ll find a unique label and build number engraved into the internal back braces—a subtle but personal touch that reflects the maker's attention to detail. Klaus Scheller tuners with brushed plates and a beautifully carved headstock add further sophistication to an already elegant design.

• Top: European Spruce

• Tuners: Klaus Scheller

The sound is nothing short of extraordinary. The treble strings, especially the first, sing with a lyrical clarity reminiscent of the best Dominique Field guitars, while the overall character of the tone leans toward refinement and elegance rather than brightness. The sustain is bell-like, with a pure fundamental supported by rich, well-aligned overtones.

This guitar doesn’t just project—it inspires. It encourages subtlety, nuance, and musicality. Notes bloom effortlessly under the fingers, and the balance across the registers is superb. It excels both in delicate, lyrical passages and in full-bodied, orchestral textures. This is an instrument that belongs in the conversation with the best being made anywhere in the world today.

Jean-Noël Rohé’s instruments are rarely available on the open market, especially in this condition. This 2024 example is not only a shining representation of modern French lutherie—it’s also a world-class concert instrument that will reward the most demanding player or discerning collector.

For inquiries, contact evan@guitarcollection.com

Excellent++. This guitar is in like-new condition aside from a couple of marks in the French polish on the headstock of the guitar (see photo). There are no cracks, dents or repairs.