The Twelfth Fret is an Authorized Lester DeVoe Dealer for Lester DeVoe has been a luthier since 1975. He resides on the Central Coast of California, between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Lester DeVoe specializes in Flamenco guitar construction, both Blanca and Negra types. His guitars are extremely well regarded.
Here is Lester DeVoe on his path to luthierie:
“In the early 1970’s I began the study of the classical guitar and later the flamenco guitar, with aspirations of becomingng a professional player. After one memorable lesson where I had the opportunity to play my teacher’s 1924 Santos Hernández, I began a search to purchase a guitar with that sound and response. It became apparent to me that this style of guitar was no longer being made. With encouragement of a local, retired luthier, I started to make a guitar for myself, copying my teacher’s guitar and studying the guitars from my friend’s collection of rare instruments.
I kept the pattern and memory of the Santos Hernández as I tried my new ideas of construction. Some of the refinements I have developed involve more accurate fret placement, string compensation, top doming, stress-free assembly and internal bracing design that make my guitars unique and consistent in sound and feel.”
