Luis and Clark instruments are used throughout the world by many of the finest players in world class orchestras, crossover popular artists, and musicians from every walk of life who value powerful sound, pure pitch, and exquisite craftsmanship.
Musicians from every tradition around the world have embraced these instruments for their sound, their beauty, their durability and their power.
The instruments have become favorites among crossover musicians who are breaking boundaries between genres of classical, pop, jazz and more...
Origins
The Luis and Clark family of instruments was invented by Luis Leguia, cellist and student of Pablo Casals, Luis played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1963 until his recent retirement. Motivated by his experiences playing at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA - the famous outdoor concert venue in the Berkshires - Luis embarked on a decades-long quest to create an instrument that would exceed his traditional cello in sound quality and expression, while addressing the need for an instrument that could better resist the variables in weather he experienced at Tanglewood. Luis and Clark was issued a patent in 2001 for the innovative design and the cello was added to the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art as an example of the perfect union of design, technology and creativity.
The Sound
Luis & Clark Instruments are cherished by their owners for their sound. Players report that the instruments are wonderfully consistent across all ranges - that they project clear tones from the lightest touch to the most aggressive bowing - and that the sound is responsive and alive. Watch the video below as Erik Friedlander puts his cello through its paces.
The Power
Symphony players and soloists around the world use their instruments daily in challenging all-acoustic environments. The strength and resonance of carbon fiber creates instruments with the power to project and fill the largest halls.
Quality and Strength
Cellist Ruth Boden as she climbs 10,000 feet to a peak in Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains...
Eleven composers and seven performers, all affiliated with Eastman School of Music spent 2016 playing "Music in the Wild" at National Parks across the USA - with Luis and Clark Stringed Instruments.
2Cellos Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser playing (and swimming) with their Cellos in a waterfall at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia as part of their video "I Will Wait"
Yes, those are their Luis and Clark Cellos. Yes, they are fine.
In Their Own Words
“I love my Luis & Clark cello. Its silky finish is a joy to touch and the sound is alive and big. The elegant, modern design is embraced by audiences and the durable materials and construction give me a sense of ease while on difficult touring schedules. My musical life has improved since getting the Luis & Clark cello.” Erik Friedlander, composer, improviser, and veteran of NYC’s downtown scene.
“Absolutely astonishing! Wonderful sound throughout all registers.” Kurt Masur, Honorary Music Director, Orchestre National de France; Lifetime Honorary Guest Conductor, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra; Music Director Emeritus, New York Philharmonic Orchestra; Former Principal Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra; Former Conductor, Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra; Former Senior Director, Music Komische Oper of East Berlin; Former Kapellmeister Gewandhausorchester Leipzig.
“Your viola is fun to play and it is as easy to produce a big sound as it is to play soft. Every time I take this instrument out of its case, I instantly get excited and can not wait to start playing!” Niklas Schwarz, Principal violist of the Essener Philharmoniker and violist of the Mannheimer Streichquartett
“My Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello produces a rich ringing tone so effortlessly that I would rather play on it than on my own wooden cellos. Also, I find the unique shape of the instrument helps solve a number of physical problems associated with cello playing like tired bow arm and the pain caused by neck stress due to the C tuning peg.” Gerald Appleman, Assistant Principal Cello (retired), New York Philharmonic
“The Luis and Clark cello, with its truly stunning sound and elegant appearance, presents an invitation for any cellist to take a leap into the future of music-making. In all truth – I’m impressed!” Carol Proctor, Cellist, Boston Symphony Orchestra
And of course....
If you would like to know more about our instruments or arrange to play one, please contact us. If you would like to purchase one, please visit us online.
Thanks for your time!
Luis and Clark