A remarkable recreation of a nineteenth-century Romantic guitar, combining elegant craftsmanship with an unusual approach to resonance.
Petros's Lacôte Replica
by David Whiteman
Among the fascinating instruments brought to the Lauderdale Guitar Society is Petros's beautiful Lacôte replica, handcrafted by British luthier David Whiteman, which Petros played at our October 2026 meeting.
A question was raised as to its use of tuners rather than pegs, but as can be seen on a final example previously owned by Julian Bream and now on display in The Met (click here), Lacôte did indeed use mechanical tuners however they were inset. Lacôte was the precursor to the modern classical guitar pioneered by Torres and is therefore smaller. But look a little closer and the instrument reveals a particularly intriguing feature, a second soundboard hidden inside the body, designed to enhance its resonance. It also differs in its internal bracing with four horizontal bars at the front and back. Another distinctive feature is the oval soundhole in the back of the instrument. This unusual opening, clearly visible in the photographs, is also found on certain historic Lacôte guitars employing this construction.
In addition to the above, Petros's instrument captures much of this historical character, with its graceful body shape, decorative moustache bridge, slotted headstock and understated rosette. The soundboard is made from spruce, while the back and sides are crafted from beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood, a timber long prized by guitar makers for its appearance and acoustic properties.
But who was René Lacôte
René François Lacôte (c. 1785–1855) was one of the most distinguished French guitar makers of the nineteenth century. Working in Paris, he produced instruments admired for their refined craftsmanship, elegant proportions and distinctive tonal qualities.
Many of the leading performers and composers of classical guitar that we so love to hear and play at our society meetings from the the Romantic era. Sor went as far as personally recommending using a Lacôte, Carulli collaborated collaborated with Lacôte on the patented ten-string Décacorde and Carcassi is reported to have played a Lacôte.
The Maker: David Whiteman
David Whiteman is an accomplished British guitar maker, restorer and teacher whose career has been devoted to the craft of guitar making.
His interest in instrument making began in his teenage years, eventually leading him to study at the London College of Furniture. Following his training, he established his own workshop in Brighton, building classical guitars and developing an extensive knowledge of historical instruments.
Over the years, Whiteman has made guitars for both amateur and professional musicians, including Queen guitarist Brian May and Anthony Phillips, a founding member of Genesis, for whom he created a 21-string harp guitar.
His work has also included the restoration of important historic instruments, including an early nineteenth-century C. F. Martin guitar.
Alongside making and restoration, Whiteman has been actively involved in teaching the craft, including serving as head of the guitar-making course at London Metropolitan University.
Of particular relevance to Petros's instrument is Whiteman's longstanding interest in nineteenth-century guitars. On his own website, he describes making replicas of instruments by both Lacôte and the Viennese maker Johann Georg Stauffer, studying their construction and exploring the craftsmanship of the period.
His approach reflects a deep appreciation of historical guitar making, combined with the practical experience of a modern craftsman.
Find out more about David Whiteman and his work:
