1960s Patenotte

This distinctive guitar features the bean shaped soundhole favored by the well known Mirecourt based Patonette workshop. Built by Louis, and later Claude, Patenotte guitars were known for their unique designs, florid embellishment, and full bodied tone. After many decades of production, Claude retired around 2010 leaving us a legacy of wonderful instruments with a sound and look like none other. This example bears the label of Paul Didier (1908-2002) who was a respected violin maker based in nearby Metz. Nevertheless, this instrument was clearly made by Patenotte and was obviously built under contract for Didier. There is no reliable way to date this guitar. There are a few details that differ from Patenotte’s more recent production, like the lack of moustache pieces and the old-style three on a plate tuners. These archaic features, along with the fact that it was built under contract for another dealer, makes it likely that it’s from an earlier era, possibly circa 1960. But the actual date is