Louis Panormo - 1850 No. 1978 63 cm
Louis Panormo - 1850 No. 1978 63 cm
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
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Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Louis Panormo was one of the most important guitar makers active in England during the first half of the nineteenth century. Born in Paris around 1784 into a family of instrument makers of Italian origin, he later settled in London, where he established himself as a leading figure in the development of the early romantic guitar. Panormo worked during a period of rapid evolution in guitar design and is widely credited with introducing Spanish-inspired fan bracing to instruments built in England. His work played a decisive role in shaping the voice and construction of the romantic guitar. Surviving instruments are rare and provide invaluable insight into the transition from early nineteenth-century guitar making toward the later Spanish school.
About the guitar
This guitar, built in 1850 and bearing the number 1978, is a representative example of Louis Panormo’s mature work. Its voice is refined and remarkably full, with a low air resonance that contributes to an exceptionally deep bass register. The treble strings respond with clarity and roundness, offering effortless sustain and a calm, vocal presence throughout the upper range. The tonal balance is natural and cohesive, with excellent separation that supports period repertoire with clarity. The seven-fan bracing, typical of Panormo's later guitars, imparts both structural lightness and tonal complexity, enhancing resonance without sacrificing control. The instrument’s shorter scale length and overall dimensions contribute to its intimate feel and ease of playability, especially suited to romantic literature.
Condition
The guitar is in very good condition for its age. Several cracks on the sides have been professionally repaired without the use of cleats. The soundboard has one crack which has been reinforced with cleats. The original finish is preserved with French polish throughout, and the antique Baker tuners remain fully functional and feature intricate original engravings.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.