Olivier Fanton d'Andon, 1993
Spruce / Indian Rosewood
Overview
This is a rare and fascinating seven-string concert guitar by the acclaimed French luthier Olivier Fanton D’Andon, completed in 1993. Fanton D’Andon’s work is celebrated worldwide, and his instruments were famously favored by Roland Dyens, who performed on them throughout most of his career.
This is the first Fanton D’Andon to appear in my studio, and it’s a perfect example of his inventive spirit and refined craftsmanship, blending traditional French elegance with creative innovation.
Key Features
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Year: 1993
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Top: Spruce
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Back: Rosewood (likely Indian Rosewood)
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Sides: Bird’s Eye Maple
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Neck: Ebony-finished with matching headplate
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Scale Length: 650 mm
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Strings: 7 strings – ingenious hidden seventh tuner design
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Tuners: Rogers machines with custom matching buttons
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Condition: Excellent + (1 expertly repaired crack beneath bridge)
Craftsmanship & Design
One of Fanton D’Andon’s most striking innovations appears at the headstock. Instead of the usual asymmetrical seven-string layout, he preserved a perfectly symmetrical design by concealing the seventh-string tuner on the back of the headstock, accessible through a discreet slot. The result is both visually balanced and mechanically clever, keeping the guitar’s lines elegant and refined.
Inside, a distinctive “whisker-style” fan bracing radiates outward in fine filigree, contributing to a unique resonance and clarity. The Bird’s Eye Maple sides shimmer under light, contrasting beautifully with the darker rosewood back and ebony-black neck and head veneer. Every detail, from the green-and-tan mosaic rosette to the rosewood tie block, shows the tasteful restraint typical of top-tier French luthiery.
Sound & Playability
Even for players unfamiliar with extended-range guitars, this instrument offers a profound experience. The additional seventh string enriches the overall resonance, creating deep sympathetic overtones that color every chord — even standard six-string voicings feel more expansive and orchestral.
The trebles are crystalline and lyrical, the midrange smooth and balanced, and the basses impressively deep without losing clarity. Whether tuned down to low B or C, or configured in creative double-drop tunings, the guitar rewards experimentation and inspires new musical directions. It’s ideal for soloists, arrangers, or ensemble players looking to explore beyond the traditional six-string palette.
Summary
A beautifully preserved 1993 Olivier Fanton D’Andon seven-string, combining refined aesthetics, intelligent design, and an unmistakably French tonal character. Rare, artistic, and inspiring — a collector’s piece that invites endless musical discovery.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
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