Every La Grandeur Guitar tells a story of artistry, emotion, and the connections that shape our lives. The “London” model was born from such a story—a tale of longing, dreams, and the deep bond between siblings.
One of our cherished customers approached us with a heartfelt request: to create a guitar that would capture the essence of London, a city that had left an indelible mark on his younger brother’s heart. This guitar wasn’t just a gift; it was a tribute to a place that felt like home.
The younger brother had recently returned to Indonesia after studying in London. Though he was back with his family, his heart yearned for the city where he had felt truly comfortable, a place that had become his second home. He often spoke of the freedom, the culture, and the vibrant energy of London, dreaming of the day he might return
Understanding the depth of this connection, we designed the “London” to bring a piece of London back to him, crafting it with meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for the city that had captured his heart.
The centerpiece of this guitar is the iconic Big Ben dial, proudly displayed on the rosette to the fretboard. This symbol of London’s enduring legacy and timeless beauty sets the tone for the entire instrument, resonating with the memories and dreams of a city that continues to inspire.
After extensive research and countless hours spent studying London’s famous architecture, we carefully selected the most iconic structures that would not only represent the city but also evoke a deep emotional connection for our client. From Tower Bridge to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace to the London Eye, The Shard to The Cheesegrater, The Gherkin to The O2 Arena, and finally the Underground Sign, Telephone Booth, and London Bus—every building was chosen for its significance and its ability to tell a story.
But selecting the icons was only the beginning. The real challenge came in translating these complex structures into inlay designs that were both visually striking and harmonious on the fretboard. This process involved countless sketches, revisions, and experimentation. Each icon had to be scaled, adjusted, and refined to ensure that it would not only fit within the constraints of the guitar but also flow naturally with the curvature of the instrument.
Trial and error became our constant companions. Finding the right materials to replicate the intricate details of each building—whether it was the delicate lines of Tower Bridge or the bold form of The Shard took time and experimentation. We went through numerous iterations, testing different compositions and arrangements to achieve the perfect balance of form and function.
Finally, after much trial and error, we arrived at a design that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also resonated with the spirit of London. The composition of the inlays felt organic, with each building flowing into the next, creating a seamless representation of the city’s skyline. The final result was a piece of art that captured the grandeur of London and transformed it into something both beautiful and playable.
When we presented the completed “London” to our client, the reaction made all the effort worthwhile. The guitar was not just a beautiful instrument—it was a heartfelt tribute to the city of London, a place that held deep meaning for our client and his younger brother. Seeing the joy and connection that the guitar brought to them was the ultimate reward for our hard work.
The “London” inlay design stands as a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship and our belief that every guitar we create should tell a story. With this guitar, we’ve not only captured the essence of London’s landmarks but also the dreams and memories of those who hold the city close to their hearts.
Ivan Guitar Studio® is one man business which provide classical / acoustic guitar education and distributing the finest quality high end guitars.
Meruya, West Jakarta, Indonesia
Gading Serpong, Tangerang, Indonesia
ivanguitarstudio@gmail.com