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{{About|the line of musical instruments|the American explorers Lewis and Clark|Lewis and Clark Expedition}}
{{About|the line of musical instruments|the American explorers Lewis and Clark|Lewis and Clark Expedition}}
{{distinguish|Lewis and Clark (disambiguation){{!}}Lewis & Clark}}
{{distinguish|Lewis and Clark (disambiguation){{!}}Lewis & Clark}}
{{Advert|date=May 2020}}
{{Advert|date=August 2023}}
'''Luis and Clark,''' or '''L&C''', is a company that sells [[Carbon fibers|carbon fiber]] [[string instrument|stringed instruments]] designed by [[List of cellists|cellist]] Luis Leguía (Louie) of the [[Boston Symphony Orchestra]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-14 |title=Luis and Clark Sells its Thousandth Cello |url=https://stringsmagazine.com/luis-and-clark-sells-its-thousandth-cello/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Strings Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The company's product line consists of [[violin|violins]], [[viola|violas]], [[cello|cellos]], [[double bass|double bass']], and half-sized cellos.
'''Luis and Clark,''' or '''L&C''', is a small, family-run company that sells [[Carbon fibers|carbon fiber]] [[string instrument|stringed instruments]] invented<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-luis-leguia-stephanie-leguia-caroline-leguia-luis-clark-located-milton-one-bostons-many-suburbs/|title=Meet Luis, Stephanie, and Caroline Leguia of Luis and Clark in Milton - Boston Voyager Magazine {{!}} Boston City Guide|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> and designed by [[List of cellists|cellist]] Luis Leguía (Louie) of the [[Boston Symphony Orchestra]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Luis Leguía: Cello | publisher = [[Boston Symphony Orchestra]] | url = http://www.bso.org/bso/mods/bios_detail.jsp;jsessionid=XTOIKZ3O3IHHKCTFQMGCFEQ?id=2100175 | accessdate = 2007-05-31 }}</ref> Their line consists of a [[violin]], [[viola]], [[cello]] and [[double bass]], and they have recently{{as of when?|date=September 2022}} started producing half-sized cellos,<ref name="LCInstruments" /><ref name=":0" /> with plans for a [[classical guitar]] currently in development.<ref name="Clear Carbon">{{cite web|url=http://www.clearcarbon.com/view_content.php?id=1013|title=Clear Carbon and Components, Inc. - Musical Instruments|date=2007|publisher=Clear Carbon and Components, Inc.|accessdate=2007-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222230029/http://www.clearcarbon.com/view_content.php?id=1013|archive-date=2007-02-22|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="LCFacts">{{cite web|title=Luis and Clark - FAQs |publisher=Luis and Clark |url=http://www.luisandclark.com/faqs.php |accessdate=2007-05-23 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301111458/http://www.luisandclark.com/faqs.php |archivedate=2007-03-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":0" />


== History ==
== Conception ==
Throughout his extensive career as a cellist, Leguía never found a suitable cello that could project over an [[orchestra]] or a grand piano.<ref name=":0" />
Luis Leguía’s extensive career as a [[Cello|cellist]] led him to a critical realization: he had never encountered a cello that could project adequately over an orchestra or a grand piano. Inspired to create his ideal instrument, Leguía embarked on a unique journey.


Leguía, an avid sailor,<ref name=":0" /> was on his [[catamaran]] one day in 1989 when he heard a resonant humming sound - and noticed that the sound of the waves against the carbon fiber was louder than it was against wood. Struck with the realization that he could create his life's ideal cello, he built three prototypes by hand in his basement, the first with fiberglass and the other two with carbon fiber.<ref name=":0" /> After five years of experimenting, he approached carbon fiber expert Steve Clark, head of Rhode Island's [[Vanguard Sailboats]], to form the company "Luis and Clark" in 2000.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="LCInstruments" /> Clark eventually lead Leguía to Matt Dunham of Clear Carbon and Components, who continues to manufacture all the Luis and Clark instruments.<ref name="Coleman">{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/10/30/break_from_tradition_sounds_even_sweeter/|title=Break from tradition sounds even sweeter|last=Coleman|first=Sandy|date=2005-10-30|accessdate=2007-05-31|publisher=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref>
Leguía, an avid [[sailor]], was on his [[catamaran]] one day in 1989 when he heard a resonant humming sound and noticed that the sound of the waves against the [[Carbon fibers|carbon fiber]] was louder than it was against the wood. Struck with the realization that he could create his ideal [[cello]], he constructed three prototypes by hand in his basement, the first with [[fiberglass]] and the other two with [[Carbon fibers|carbon fiber]]. After five years of experimenting, he approached carbon fiber expert Steve Clark, head of [[Rhode Island]]'s [[Vanguard Sailboats]], to form the company "Luis and Clark" in 2000.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Meet Luis, Stephanie, and Caroline Leguia of Luis and Clark in Milton - Boston Voyager Magazine {{!}} Boston City Guide |url=http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-luis-leguia-stephanie-leguia-caroline-leguia-luis-clark-located-milton-one-bostons-many-suburbs/ |access-date=2017-09-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="LCInstruments">{{cite web |title=Luis and Clark - The Instruments |url=http://www.luisandclark.com/theinstruments.php |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306112304/http://www.luisandclark.com/theinstruments.php |archivedate=2007-03-06 |accessdate=2007-05-31 |publisher=Luis and Clark}}</ref> Clark eventually led Leguía to Matt Dunham of Clear Carbon and Components, who continues to manufacture all the Luis and Clark instruments.


== Instruments ==
== Instruments ==
The instruments are all made in the [[United States]] with a 92.57% carbon-epoxy matrix.
The instruments are all made in the [[United States]] with high-quality 92.57% carbon-epoxy matrix.<ref name=":0" /> Due to their carbon fiber, they are much lighter than their wooden counterparts, immune to changes in weather, and highly resistant to damage (10x stronger than steel, 5x lighter).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://zoltek.com/carbonfiber/|title=Carbon Fiber - Zoltek|work=ZOLTEK™ Carbon Fiber|access-date=2017-09-22|language=en-US}}</ref> A cello owned by Kaaren Makas, (37 years principal cello, New Orleans Philharmonic, Emeritus principal, Louisiana Philharmonic) survived the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina, needing only new strings, bridge and soundpost, after spending two weeks under water.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://luisandclark.com/2013site/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ACMP-winter-newsletter.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-09-22 |archive-date=2017-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923050723/https://luisandclark.com/2013site/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ACMP-winter-newsletter.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Each one is set up carefully by hand with the highest quality bridges that are hand-carved to fit each unique instrument, and are tested thoroughly before being sent out.<ref name=":0" />


They are designed to be held closer to the body, a result of less material used in the instruments' creation.
They are designed to be held closer to the body in order to reduce fatigue, a result of less material used in the instruments' creation.<ref name="Coleman" /><ref name="LCInstruments">{{cite web|title=Luis and Clark - The Instruments |publisher=Luis and Clark |url=http://www.luisandclark.com/theinstruments.php |accessdate=2007-05-31 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306112304/http://www.luisandclark.com/theinstruments.php |archivedate=2007-03-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = United States Patent 6,284,957 | publisher = Patent Storm | date = 2001-09-04 | url = http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6284957-fulltext.html | accessdate = 2009-03-25 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080228115603/http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6284957-fulltext.html | archive-date = 2008-02-28 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The company has stated that the instruments' sound is most important, and the durability and resistance to climate are "happy side-effects."<ref name=":0" />


⚫
==References==
The instruments are 100% vegan (traditional instruments use animal glues), and does not use any endangered ebony wood in the fingerboards, nuts and saddles.

Luis and Clark have sold over a thousand cellos, as well as hundreds of other carbon-fiber-stringed instruments, and has owners in 54 countries.<ref name=":0" />

=== Cello ===
The shape of the Luis and Clark cello makes it easier to play. It is played closer to the body so the bow arm does not have to be so high at the point of the A string, thus reducing one of the causes of the “sore shoulder syndrome.” There is no sharp edge from the cello neck rubbing against the musician’s chest, making this cello more comfortable to play.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://luisandclark.com/the-instruments/the-cello/|title=The Cello - Luis and Clark {{!}} The Finest Carbon Fiber Stringed Instruments|website=luisandclark.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref>

=== Violin ===
Weighing less than a pound, the violin brings together the best of the violins Leguía most admired in his 60 years as a professional musician. He was most influenced by Joseph Guarnerius del Gesù, but the Luis and Clark violin also has characteristics from Amati, Montagnana, Stradivarius, J.B. Guadagnini and the rest of the Guarneri family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://luisandclark.com/the-instruments/the-violin/|title=The Violin - Luis and Clark {{!}} The Finest Carbon Fiber Stringed Instruments|website=luisandclark.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref>

=== Viola ===
Weighing only 1 pound 4 ounces, much kinder to the body than traditional violas. It is 11/32 of an inch narrower on the A string shoulder, making it easier to play in the upper positions. The viola has an amazingly beautiful, dark, yet vibrant resonance. It sings out effortlessly and powerfully. The lower registers are rich, the upper register has luxurious warmth and there is an evenness of sound across the strings. The overall tone is one of depth, power, beauty and resonance that has to be heard to be believed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://luisandclark.com/the-instruments/the-viola/|title=The Viola - Luis and Clark {{!}} The Finest Carbon Fiber Stringed Instruments|website=luisandclark.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref>

=== Bass ===
The bass is a ¾ bass and weighs about 19 pounds. The string length is 41½ inches. It has a swell back and is composed of a one piece back, sides and neck; the second piece is the top and the third is the fingerboard. It is a “free adaptation” of the bass Louie thinks is the best in the Boston Symphony, an Antonio Roca bass. It is a bit asymmetrical in the upper bout, making it easier to play. It has Rubner nickel tyrolean style tuners.

The bass has a robust sound and can go from zero degrees into a hot dry room or to a hot humid country and not lose its sound, not crack nor have its neck come loose.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://luisandclark.com/the-instruments/the-bass/|title=The Bass - Luis and Clark {{!}} The Finest Carbon Fiber Stringed Instruments|website=luisandclark.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-22}}</ref>

== Notable players ==

=== Cellists ===

* [[Yo-Yo Ma]]
* [[2Cellos]]
* [[Michael Bacon (musician)|Michael Bacon]] (The Bacon Brothers)
* [[Steven Sharp Nelson]] ([[The Piano Guys]])
* Alana Henderson ([[Hozier (musician)|Hozier]])
* [[Brent Kutzle]] ([[OneRepublic]])
* [[Erik Friedlander]]
* Cremaine Booker (The Cello Guy)
* Michael Levin (Cirque du Soleil)

=== Violinists ===

* [[Lindsey Stirling]]
* [[Taylor Davis (violinist)|Taylor Davis]]
* Philip Heyman (Principal Violist of the Welsh National Opera)
* Marissa Licata (Rock violinist)
* Lisa Ferrigno (Concertmaster of Brevard Symphony Orchestra)
* Brynn Albanese (Cafe Musique)

=== Violists ===

* Jasmine Beams (Solo Viola of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra)
* Niklas Schwarz (Principal Violist of the Essener Philharmoniker and violist of the Mannheimer Streichquartett)

=== Bassists ===

* Ann Gilbert

⚫
==[[Leonard Rose|References]]==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.luisandclark.com/ Luis and Clark website]
* {{official website|luisandclark.com}}


[[Category:Musical instrument manufacturing companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Musical instrument manufacturing companies of the United States]]

Latest revision as of 16:11, 30 August 2024

This article is about the line of musical instruments. For the American explorers Lewis and Clark, see Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Not to be confused with Lewis & Clark.

Luis and Clark, or L&C, is a company that sells carbon fiber stringed instruments designed by cellist Luis Leguía (Louie) of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.[1] The company's product line consists of violins, violas, cellos, double bass', and half-sized cellos.

Conception

[edit]

Luis Leguía’s extensive career as a cellist led him to a critical realization: he had never encountered a cello that could project adequately over an orchestra or a grand piano. Inspired to create his ideal instrument, Leguía embarked on a unique journey.

Leguía, an avid sailor, was on his catamaran one day in 1989 when he heard a resonant humming sound and noticed that the sound of the waves against the carbon fiber was louder than it was against the wood. Struck with the realization that he could create his ideal cello, he constructed three prototypes by hand in his basement, the first with fiberglass and the other two with carbon fiber. After five years of experimenting, he approached carbon fiber expert Steve Clark, head of Rhode Island's Vanguard Sailboats, to form the company "Luis and Clark" in 2000.[2][3] Clark eventually led Leguía to Matt Dunham of Clear Carbon and Components, who continues to manufacture all the Luis and Clark instruments.

Instruments

[edit]

The instruments are all made in the United States with a 92.57% carbon-epoxy matrix.

They are designed to be held closer to the body, a result of less material used in the instruments' creation.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Luis and Clark Sells its Thousandth Cello". Strings Magazine. 2016-12-14. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  2. ^ "Meet Luis, Stephanie, and Caroline Leguia of Luis and Clark in Milton - Boston Voyager Magazine | Boston City Guide". Retrieved 2017-09-22.
  3. ^ "Luis and Clark - The Instruments". Luis and Clark. Archived from the original on 2007-03-06. Retrieved 2007-05-31.
[edit]
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