French Mastery… | Sylvain Balestrieri 2022 | Classical Guitar Review | GuitarCollection.com
???? Check out the full listing and photos here: https://www.guitarcollection.com/the-collection/p/sylvain-balestrieri-spruceindian-rosewood-2022
This 2022 Sylvain Balestrieri is a world-class traditional concert guitar, deeply rooted in the French luthiery tradition. Inspired by the legendary work of Daniel Friederich, Robert Bouchet, and Dominique Field, this fan-braced instrument offers exceptional clarity, warmth, and responsiveness—all hallmarks of the finest French guitars.
Balestrieri’s craftsmanship is meticulous—he builds slowly and with uncompromising precision, ensuring every detail meets the highest standards. His guitars have gained significant recognition among serious players and collectors, leading to a several-year waitlist for his work.
Key Features:
✔ Top: Spruce – articulate and clear with rich overtones
✔ Back & Sides: Three-piece Indian rosewood – striking visual contrast
✔ Bracing: Traditional fan bracing – warmth, balance, and tonal depth
✔ Neck: Comfortable profile, reminiscent of Friederich’s design
✔ Tuners: Premium Scheller tuners – precise, effortless tuning
✔ Aesthetics: Elegant minimalist rosette, pointed headstock, refined detailing
✔ Scale & Nut Width: 650mm scale, 52mm nut width
Sound & Playability:
What makes this instrument particularly special is its remarkable sensitivity—it effortlessly translates every nuance of the player’s touch, from the most delicate phrasing to full-bodied projection. The basses have noble weight, reminiscent of Friederich’s guitars, while the trebles remain crisp and singing, with excellent sustain. It also has a lively, responsive character, similar to Dominique Field’s work. Whether playing lush, resonant chords or intricate passages, this guitar delivers with refinement and ease.
Condition:
This guitar is in pristine condition—aside from its 2022 build date, you’d be hard-pressed to distinguish it from a brand-new instrument. It has been impeccably cared for, with no significant wear or marks.
???? Chapters:
0:00 – Playing demo
0:35 – Introduction
1:23 – Specs & Features
2:07 – Bracing – and see inside!!
2:34 – Back and sides, neck, headstock, tuners
4:00 – Playing a few chords
4:29 – Getting to know each string
6:06 – The Dominique Field influence?
8:40 – Subscribe!! Please!!
9:25 – Chord test
9:47 – Melodia de uma Noite – Fonseca
10:32 – Prelude 11 – Tarrega
11:14 – Testament D’Amelia – Llobet
11:55 – Registro – Lauro
???? Interested in this guitar or a similar instrument? Have something great to consign? Contact me at evan@guitarcollection.com.
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Thanks for watching, and let me know what you think of this instrument in the comments! ????
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Originally posted by UCF6Scbvou7Wyy7PMx9f2XjA at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSQltNipfiw
Sounds nicer than the Marty you just reviewed, at least with the Piaf segment you played. Fuller rounder notes, louder, warmer yet spruce-crisp and well-defined.
I've never thought someone can check the bracing like that.. I'm impressed ✨
Love it!! Nice video and great guitar! The sustain on those chords at the beginning of the sound discussion was impressive!
Great tone demo, I get what you're saying – the French all sound the same (jk). As a side note, your lovely melodic playing has added Fonseca and Dyers to my own repertoire. A nice little bonus I get from this channel.