Alkemy Guitares Interview 3 Flagship models
Alkemy Guitares Interview 3 Flagship models
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Alkemy Guitares Interview 3 Modèles phares
Can you tell us about your flagship models of the moment? Do you have a range that you make regularly? Do you also make unique custom models ? How did you proceed to create them ? What were your choices and your creation process? What type of musicians are they for? Come on, tell us everything!!!
All my models are “Flagship models” !!!
😂
It’s that I actually work on emotion and every new guitar I design becomes my favorite. As the company is very new, I don’t have the perspective to think in terms of series and that’s not the point anyway.
The creative process remains the most important for me.
My mind is always on the lookout for new ideas, if I spot an aesthetic detail somewhere, be it on a car, a decorative object or a building, I will automatically ask myself if I can integrate it into an instrument in one way or another.
Usually I start by doing a lot of quick sketches to visualize the ideas.
Once I’ve decided on what seems to be the most coherent, I move on to scale drawings on the computer to set up the different elements and validate the idea.
Finally, I switch to 3D software to validate the feasibility and export the 2D files that will be used to make (or have made) my templates or certain parts that I can’t make myself, like laser cutting, for example.
For the moment, I only make prototypes that serve as my showcase.
They are for sale as display models, but, I prefer to take an order for a custom instrument based on one of my models.
With this in mind, I never make exactly the same instrument twice.
In terms of aesthetics, my style is for those who like to get away from the “I’ve seen it 1000 times”.
My instruments have identity and character.
In terms of rates, my work is more aimed at a “collector” audience.
Not that I’m particularly aiming at this “target”, but the time spent on design and manufacturing details easily drives up the final price.
Moreover, I often hear from musicians “I would be afraid to play it on stage”…
My prototypes are rather advanced and therefore expensive. But they can be simplified a bit to make them more affordable custom instruments.
It is also for this reason that I systematically make payment facilities, for those who wish, by spreading the invoice over several months (free of charge, of course).
Some pictures of
Alkemy Guitares creations
Alkemy Guitares Interview 1 Background
You can contact Frédéric Donval Alkemy Guitars through the contact form on his personal page of Luthiers.com here: https://luthiers.com/listing/alkemy-guitares/
We also invite you to follow him on his various social networks:
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Alkemyguitares
- Pinterest : https://www.pinterest.fr/AlkemyGuitares/
- Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/alkemyguitares/
- Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_5gNxOiblpjrbco49ftkg
Alkemy Guitares Interview 1 Background
Frédéric Donval is a self-taught luthier since 1996. A woodworker and graduate designer, he likes to call himself “sorcerer’s apprentice”.
He designs and builds extraordinary electric guitars and basses, paying particular attention to the visual identity of the instrument.
In addition to a permanent search for excellence in sound, ergonomics and attention to detail are for him the values he likes to follow throughout his research and manufacturing process.
His style, far from the usual clichés, finds its sources in science fiction, drawing inspiration from the worlds of manga, cyber-punk and Marvel comics.
His passions and inspirations don’t stop there! A fan of motorsports, architecture and furniture, all fields related to design allow him a growing creativity.
Trained as a designer, he knows how to adapt to all styles and loves above all to take on new challenges in order to give life to his clients’ wildest projects.
Frédéric prefers above all to work with craftsmen and manual labor.
He shapes wood as well as metals or carbon fiber to create unique hardware or decorative elements.
He also surrounds himself well when the task requires it and calls upon talented French craftsmen who can assist him.
In the coming weeks, as for others luthiers for plucked string instruments, luthiers for bowed string instruments, amps & effects makers, wood & supplies dealers, lutherie events, jobs, schools & teachers subscribers on our site, you will be able to follow our series of mini-interviews dedicated to the fascinating world of luthiers.
See you soon…
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