Benoit Lavoite Guitars

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Overview

Benoît Lavoie Guitars is a small-scale operation run by Canadian luthier Benoît Lavoie, specializing in custom flat-top and archtop acoustic guitars, as well as occasional baritone guitars, violins, cellos, and double basses. Instruments are handmade in his workshop using advanced acoustic analysis for consistent sound quality and balance.124

History

Benoît Lavoie has operated as an independent luthier from his workshop in Petit-Saguenay, Québec, for over 20 years, designing and building instruments primarily guitars.12 He specializes in flat-top and archtop models, employing an acoustic measurement system developed in partnership with a specialized company to ensure high sound quality.4 His guitars have been distributed to various cities in Canada and are sold through retailers like Dream Guitars in the US.3

Product Lines

Product LinePositioningPrice Range
Flat-top GuitarsCustom acoustic steel-string guitars$5,000 - $10,000
Archtop GuitarsJazz-oriented hollowbody acoustics$6,000 - $12,000
Multiscale GuitarsExtended-range fanned-fret acoustics$7,000 - $11,000
Baritone GuitarsLow-tuned extended scale acoustics$5,500 - $9,500

Manufacturing

All instruments are handmade by Benoît Lavoie in his personal workshop located at 55 rue Dumas, Petit-Saguenay, Québec, Canada.12 Production is fully in-house with no outsourcing mentioned.5

Notable Products

  • #168 Handmade Acoustic (2017) - Ebony fingerboard flat-top guitar, 168th instrument built by Lavoie.
  • Multiscale Ziricote/Adirondack (2017) - Fanned-fret flat-top with ziricote back and Adirondack spruce top.
  • Custom Archtop Guitars - Hollowbody models focused on acoustic balance and power for jazz.
  • Custom Flat-top Guitars - Steel-string acoustics using advanced acoustic analysis for tone.

Reputation

Enthusiasts value Benoît Lavoie's guitars for their aesthetic refinement, unique acoustic balance, power, and consistent high sound quality achieved through specialized measurement techniques.4 Professionals and collectors appreciate the handmade craftsmanship from a Québec-based luthier with over 20 years experience, as seen in resale on platforms like Reverb.5 No widespread criticisms noted in available sources; perception centers on custom, high-end boutique quality.3

Sources (5)
  1. https://www.benoitlavoie.com
  2. https://www.benoitlavoie.com/bio?lang=en
  3. https://www.dreamguitars.com/shop/instruments/guitars/steel-string-guitars/flattop/2017-benoit-lavoie-multiscale-ziricote-adirondack-163/
  4. https://www.guitar-list.com/brands/beno-t-lavoie
  5. https://reverb.com/item/14438977-benoit-lavoie-168-handmade-acoustic-guitar-2017-ebony-fingerboard-natural