Spotlight: Mikhail Robert, luthier

I am happy to introduce Mikhail Robert, a luthier known to many professional guitarists but possibly new to general readers. Mr. Robert has been building guitars for over 30 years and has built instruments for some of the greatest names in the guitar world. I first heard about Mikhail by hearing that Ricardo Cobo and Angel Romero owned his guitars and now, 10 years later, he lives in Victoria where I had a chance to meet with him. Once we met we also found out that we both share an appreciation for fine Italian road bicycles and so here is my bicycle related quotation:

“Robert guitars are the Colnagos of the classical guitar scene.”

Robert guitars are brilliant instruments. I was particularly amazed at how a relatively traditional design could be accompanied by such power and clarity. After 30 years of building Robert guitars have perfected their design and are worth looking into.  All I can say is that I myself look forward to owning one of his guitars and if you get a chance to try one out, you must!

Mikhail and his beautiful new guitar...after 30 years of building he finally built a guitar just for himself.

Mikhail Robert, luthier

Website: www.robertguitars.com

Of special interest from his website: 

Myths and Misconceptions - This is a great section for the general reader looking to learn more about classical guitars including information on woods, scale length, design, and more…

Testimonials  - Check out some of the amazing testimonials from his website, including quotes from Angel Romero, Matt Gould, Matanya Ophee, and more…

“Being a luthier requires more than the ability to assemble classical guitars. It requires the ability to be an historian, to possess passion for the purest sound, to love music and above all, to yearn to share it.” – from www.robertguitars.com

Interview:

July, 2011

Brad: How did you get into the luthier trade?

Mikhail: I was studying to be guitarist. I only wanted to make myself a Renaissance lute and a better concert guitar, “just one”. That was almost 30 years ago, and I am happy to report that I finally made myself a wonderful guitar.

Brad:  What’s the story behind that special instrument?

Mikhail: I have not had a special guitar of mine for years. Maybe about eight years ago I started to make myself an instrument with the idea that it would be only for me, and not for sale. Then came the wood selection. Then, the questions, “what if I do not like it as much as some of my regular guitars? …etc. I finally resolved to make it only for myself no matter what. It was a big surprise, different from what I make for my clients most of the time, not exactly what I expected, and I really love it. So I am practicing again, wanting to get my “chops” back.

[Brad: I recently tried out this guitar when I met with Mikhail and it was brilliant. Amazingly clear and balanced with the highest quality tone...it was love at first sight...or first hear I should say!]

Brad: What are your favorite woods to build with for both sound and workmanship?

Mikhail: I really like the sound I get with Indian Rosewood Back and sides and Cedar top. For myself, and a certain vintage sound quality, I really love select quality Brazilian Rosewood and Euro Spruce combo. However, most of what passes for Brazilian Rosewood or South American Rosewood is absolute garbage in my opinion. So I will not use it. I am basically using up the last of my old wood stash that I set aside many years ago, and once its gone, there will be no more. I will not build with inferior wood. I also really love maple /spruce combo, but almost no one seems to want to play maple guitars now, hence my choices are more in the mainstream.

Brad: When buying an instrument I sometimes tell my students “let the luthier make the big decisions and you’ll maybe get their best work”. What would you recommend to people looking for a high level handmade classical guitar?

Mikhail: Exactly what you said. I could not have said it better myself.

Brad: What is your favorite thing about being a luthier for classical guitar?

Mikhail: Hearing the sound of my guitars is pure magic. I am proud of my contribution to the music making around the world.

Photos