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Bryant Trenier of Uzes France, has become a highly regarded builder of fine Archtops in the tradition of James D’Aquisto and John D’Angelico. His build methods, choice of woods , plate voicing , bridge design and finishing techniques embody the legacy of these legendary masters.
As Bryant was approaching his 150th guitar he wanted to celebrate with something very special - and I was honored to be his first choice for the build.
For many years I have wanted a guitar built to celebrate my collection of Georgian and Regency period furnishings . So I sent Bryant some pics of furnishings and Architectural details from the period.
I’ve been through enough custom builds over 40 years to know when it comes to an artistic endeavor - it’s best to let the luthier explore his aspirations. Jim D’Aquisto built his world renowned modernistic impression of the Archtop guitar when he was finally liberated from the Excel and New Yorker.
The “ Georgian” headstock concept incorporates Cuban mahogany , bellflower inlays and Bryants interpretation of period glass pane detail, which actually has a bit of cathedral feel - paying homage to my appreciation for conservatory architecture from the Francesco Tárrega period. The fine green vertical inlay is from the bench of John D’Angelico and acquired through John Monteleone.
I know this is quite a departure from traditional appointments - but its the journey of “change and possibilities” which make life interesting.
Here are pics of headstock details , side port and back / side plates- I will post updates as they develop.
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01-28-2020 09:46 PM
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That is amazing! I'm looking forward to the progress and updates! The wood is so beautiful it reminds me of when Steve Andersen took me through his collection of seasoned and rare instrument wood stored in the cellar of his shop like expensive rare wines! Wonderful!
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Sky, thanks for the enthusiasm. Its going to be a fun and exciting build. I believe the maple is from a 40 year old billet Bryant acquired many years ago. Steve Andersen is a fine builder - ive seen some of his one pc flamed backs which are uniquely rare and extraordinary.
Originally Posted by skykomishone
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Exciting! This is going to be a good one! I thought he was based in the US, but it's good to know he is much closer to home.
Best wishes for it!
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This will be an exciting project QA man, in similar vein to Rob here
i assumed that Bryant was a builder in the US. We look forward to
the nexr stages of progress. May we wish you good luck with it.
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Hi Rob, Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
Thanks for the wishes. Bryant moved to France a few years ago. If you like the sonic properties of D’Aquisto and D’Angelico guitars - then a visit might be worth your time.
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Silverfox- thanks for the wishes . As I mentioned to Rob- Bryant move to France a few years ago. I hope you get a chance to play a Trenier. Originally Posted by silverfoxx
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QA,
I've never had much of a desire to commission a build. Mainly because of my lack of patience and funds. But seeing the builds that You, Vinny and Mikey are in the middle of, gets me excited for my own.
The sentimental green touch in the headstock, from D'Angelico strikes a chord with me. It would be cool if you can find a small piece in Red or White from D'Aquisto (maybe a paint chip from the old barn in L.I.) and the remaining color get from your friend Monteleone. Put them together as a tribute to the greatest of the greats who just so happen to share our same heritage.
I am truely happy for you Steve. I hope this one clicks into place for you. I hope its all you ever dreamed it would be.
Joe D.
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Hey, Steve. I'm so happy to see that 150 is in progress. I can already tell that this is going to be a very
special project for Bryant. A true labor of love. I look forward to as many updates as you're willing to share. Congratulations, my friend!
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Joe, Originally Posted by Max405
A custom build is certainly very exciting - especially when you have an excellent working relationship with the builder. I’ll see if there are any other colored veneers available.
This build is different than just ordering off a menu of model choices from a luthier. Its special to me because it incorporates my admiration of 18th century period details into a guitar - and its truly a “one off build”. John Monteleone makes his living building these type of guitars - and it offers the client more of a personal connection to the instrument.
Bryant wrote to me earlier this evening saying he has some surprises in store for me on this build - what a good friend.
The journey will be a blast and I’ll share the story for those interested.
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Michael, Originally Posted by D'Aquisto Fan
Nice to hear from you and hope all is well. Can you believe it.....Trenier 150 is in the works. This is a true labor of love and I’m honored Bryant is doing this build for ME.
I believe this build will open up ideas for other clients who want something different which they can call their own.
Every time I pick up this guitar it will remind me of two great things in my life ...- period furniture..... and Archtop guitars.
I’ll keep posting pics as they arrive from Uzes.
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QAman,
This will be Your third Trenier guitar?
Thanks again for help me with the guitar decision. I must wait till the end of this year, but with your pictures of working progress it will be easier.
You deserve 150th masterwork!! ..I will be pleased with simple 151st or 152nd.
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Fal, Originally Posted by Fal Tarlow
The " Georgian " is going to be a great build. Your decision to buy a Trenier will enable you to experience the Jimmy D or John D vibe depending upon what model you ordered. Bryants guitars have this fantastic sustain ....its organ like....no other way to explain it. As for qty that I own - ill send you a pm.
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The tone Pasquale gets is proof in the pudding. I only wish I was 5 years younger. I would get on the wait list. I was blessed with a DAQNY for 31 years so I can't whine but a sincere Congrats Steve. Bryant took the DAQ torch and ran with it. Jimmy lives on through Bryant's hands. Gorgeous wood. It will be a magical lap cannon I am sure. That sound port is going to mess up your nice head of hair I am afraid. Use a little of your wife's hairspray before you play it or a baseball cap with a chin strap
...LOL
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Its so true about Bryant taking the torch and running with it. He is so passionate about keeping the Jimmy and John tradition alive. He told me the other day his hands have developed a techinque to improve the recure and squeeze even more sound out of the box. Hes at that point where each guitar has a predictable outcome......a real whopper as Jimmy would say. Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
The tone Pasquale gets is proof in the pudding. I only wish I was 5 years younger. I would get on the wait list. I was blessed with a DAQNY for 31 years so I can't whine but a sincere Congrats Steve. Bryant took the DAQ torch and ran with it. Jimmy lives on through Bryant's hands. Gorgeous wood. It will be a magical lap cannon I am sure. That sound port is going to mess up your nice head of hair I am afraid. Use a little of your wife's hairspray before you play it or a baseball cap with a chin strap...LOL
You might be right about the hairspray or hat, when I play John M's side port guitars you can feel the breeze.....the sound experience for the player is profound. I ordered this feature because I lost partial hearing in my left ear last year, and I now wear an Oticon hearing device. Thank god im blessed with a lot of hair to cover the little receiver.
All is good Vinny, we are both blessed by the man above and I never take it for granted. Thanks for always being a supportive friend.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using TapatalkLast edited by QAman; 01-31-2020 at 11:01 PM.
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Steve,
Congrats on your build. I’m excited for you and looking forward to seeing it come to life!
Cheers!
Sam
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Thanks Sam - it’s going to be an interesting build with some unique features.....and I’m also excited to see the progress. Originally Posted by sbeishline
I’ll share the progress as pics arrive.
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A lot of current archtop builders including Gibson don't have a prominent recurve like Bryant's archtops. That prominent recurve plays a huge factor on sound decay. Bryant learned this from Jimmy who learned it from John. Way more carving work but necessary if you want a lap piano. A must for a great acoustic archtop. For a electric archtop no as it will feedback big time. Great acoustic archtops will always have a great recurve. They go hand in hand. Steve we are very excited. Hope the good Lord gives you many years to enjoy it.
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Steve, I hope your commission results in an instrument that truly inspires you
. I am very much enjoying my Trenier Artifex particularly as it opens up over its first year of play.
I actually just dropped my Trenier off with Bill Comins on Friday to have him modify the pickguard mounting. Bryant mounted the pickguard very close in height to the high E string (only about 1/8” below the string) and I prefer more clearance (1/4”-3/8”) to both rest my fingers and plectrum stroke.
I look forward to watching this one come to life on Bryant’s bench...
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Vinny, Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
Thanks for the kind worlds . The recurve is critical in determining the reactive forces applied by the strings , sort of like a trampoline.
Getting it just right is the magic.
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Bob, Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7
Steve, I hope your commission results in an instrument that truly inspires you. I am very much enjoying my Trenier Artifex particularly as it opens up over its first year of play.
I actually just dropped my Trenier off with Bill Comins on Friday to have him modify the pickguard mounting. Bryant mounted the pickguard very close in height to the high E string (only about 1/8” below the string) and I prefer more clearance (1/4”-3/8”) to both rest my fingers and plectrum stroke.
I look forward to watching this one come to life on Bryant’s bench...
Glad your enjoying the Trenier. I also need a height adjustment on my Comins Classic pickup height - it’s very close to the strings and Im constantly touching the pickup with my pick - resulting in a clicking noise during recording. Fortunately it’s an easy fix. Bill is a fine luthier and a great guy.
Bryant informed me about some surprises, so I’m excited to see how it develops. I own a few of his guitars - so he knows all my preferences with scale , neck shape , set up - etc.
I’ll keep you all informed as build info is provided.
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Just received update from Bryant Trenier. He’s carving the plates this week. Here is a pic of roughed maple back and neck blank.
His family is healthy - and no one has contracted the virus.
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Getting excited yet? I would need to meditate on a regular basis!
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Yes- getting excited for sure. It has some very special Euro tone wood that’s going to produce great sonic qualities. Originally Posted by skykomishone
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Fantastic, Steve! Happy to see the wheels are back in motion. Especially glad to hear Bryant and his family are well. I hope the same is true for Originally Posted by QAman
Just received update from Bryant Trenier. He’s carving the plates this week. Here is a pic of roughed maple back and neck blank.
His family is healthy - and no one has contracted the virus.
you and yours!
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