1948 Chauvet & Favino

The legendary luthier Jacques Favino first got his start making banjo necks in the Busato workshop after WWII. By 1946, he had formed a partnership the violin maker Jean Chauvet who taught him the art of violin making. Jacques also simultaneously pursued his own interest in guitar making. By 1956 Jacques was working independently, producing solely guitars. The label on this very early example from 1948 suggests it's the 8th guitar he ever made, making it arguably the earliest surviving guitar of the great master!

This early model shows many similarities to Favino's later 1A and 1B models as well as his F hole guitars. The petite 15 1/4" body, arched birdseye maple back and birsdeye maple sides, and spruce top are characteristics we often see in later guitars. The walnut neck differs from later models as does the headstock shape. This instrument is fitted with a brass tailpiece and a set of nickel three on a plate tuners.

This exceptionally resonant instrument produces singing highs, gutsy mids, and a complex and poignant tone that has so much character and panache. These characteristics make it great for numerous applications, from swing leads to musette waltzes, it has the punch and bravado to cut through with a sort of beautiful grit. Rhythm work is a joy, as chords are well defined and cutting, allowing it to perfectly fit the sonic space between the bass and the soloist.

The condition of this instrument is very good. It has about five top cracks, several which are quite long. All have been repaired with glue and are stable. Otherwise, the instrument has been very well taken care of with just a bit of pickwear on the top. The frets are new and the instrument plays very easily with low 2.8mm action.

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