ELECTRIC GUITARS (2006/2008) AND ARCHTOP (2010)
We built these three guitars for Djamel Laroussi, a great guitarist who is a major star in his native Algeria, and who has played with Stevie Wonder, among others. The first guitar was a Strat-like guitar, then we moved on to a Les Paul-ish design, and finally arrived at the Pagelli-ish Archtop.
Besides having very specific ideas about neck dimensions, sound, and playability. Djamel insisted that the guitars needed to include the traditional Tuareg cross symbol in their design.
Copying a pendant he wears on a necklace, we chose to hammer our versions from metal, giving it a rough-edged look that provides a beautiful contrast to the smooth finish and otherwise high-end fit-and-finish of the guitars, while at the same time symbolizing Djamel’s constant movement between African and European cultures.
On the archtop, the Tuareg cross even takes on a practical function: Positioned above the f-holes, it can be raised or lowered, allowing adjustments to the guitar’s bass response and a complete closure of the holes, which increases the instrument’s ability to be used at high volumes without feedback. More about this archtop you will find in the behind the guitars section.
LINK to Djamel Laroussi Youtube playing the Les Paul-ish
