Robert Bouchet (1898-1986)

France

Robert Bouchet is one of the most influential luthiers of the 20th century after Torres and is widely regarded as one of the most renowned and important guitar makers in classical guitar history. He is also considered the founder of modern French guitar shool. Unlike most luthiers who began as apprentices or had careers in furniture making, Bouchet was a painter and artist by trade.

A lover of guitar music, Bouchet began making his own instruments after his guitar was stolen during World War II. He apprenticed in the workshop of Spanish luthier Julian Gomez Ramirez, who was active in Paris, to learn the craft of guitar making. Following this, Bouchet dedicated himself to developing a distinctively French guitar sound, creating instruments that remain iconic to this day.