Francois Tachet Mirecourt School Guitar, 1830s

Here’s something special, a lovely Romantic Era guitar built by Francois Tachet in Mirecourt, northeastern France, during the 1830s or early 1840s.   Mirecourt has long been known for making musical instruments and lace;  instruments from the area are often referred to as from the Mirecourt School.  Louis Panormo was a  contemporary, working in London.

This Francois Tachet romantic guitar –  at approximately 185 years old – is in good working order,  and has had some expected service over the decades.  The Ebony fingerboard was replaced and refretted in the 20th century, and there is no fret wear.  The top is Spruce, with Mother of Pearl sections in a black fill around the edge and the soundhole.    The sides and back are figured Maple, with an interior lining of Spruce.   The Ebony bridge is a classic French style, with a straight-slot saddle and Mother of Pearl dots at its ends.   The tuner strips are period but not matched; the treble side is stamped ‘J Gerard Soho London’ while the bass side tuner was not stamped by its maker.

Attributed to the 1830’s, this Francois Tachet romantic guitar could have been built in the early 1840s.  It is fully playable, with the treble strings at 6.5/64ths and the bass at 8/64ths inch; there is room at the saddle to reduce the action further.

This instrument is sold with a modern Gator hard shell case.