Introduction

It is with great pleasure to be able to present this collection of fine guitars. These instruments range from c1759 to 1850 and were all made in Europe. Furthermore, these guitars all have a unique quality that stands them apart and above other standard guitars from the same period.

Most of these instruments were the preffered models of the great composers and players of the period. Only a few existing models remaining in the world today.

This collection comprises three guitars built by Etienne Laprevotte, one of each model that he produced. Based on our knowledge a very small number of these rare guitars remain today, as little as only 12. 

It can be said that this is the only place where one of each model are side by side in one collection. Louis Panormo (1784-1862) had a workshop in London where hundreds of guitars were produced, but this collection has Huerta's actual Panormo. It also has a fancy model with extra pearl inlay around the soundboard. Sanguino is believed to have built the first guitars with fan bracing. The great early Napolise builders built the first six string guitars, then their are two of the masters, Rene Lacote and Stauffer.

Examples of all these guitars will be found in this collection, fit for any museum in the world.