28 culture A CENTURY-OLD FAMILY BUSINESS AND A MODERN PROJECT Running the family business founded by his grandfather Antoine Pralong in Chermignon, Irénée has infused his love of music into the family heritage of craftsmanship. This fusion of tradition and modernity is reflected in the design of the guitars. The pandemic was the catalyst for Irénée’s long-awaited opportunity to design and build his own electric guitars. The lockdown was a propitious moment, providing the time needed to work on the first Pralong-Guitars, the result of two and a half years of dedication and passion. THE GUITARIST’S SWISS ARMY KNIFE Pralong-Guitars are distinguished by their throughneck design, an innovation designed to maximise sound quality by offering exceptional sustain. This design eliminates interruptions between the neck, strings and pickups, providing even tuning and the rigidity sought by guitarists. Designed for versatile use, Pralong-Guitars offer a variety of sound combinations to suit different musical styles, from blues to metal. metal. Irénée describes his creation as the “guitarist’s Swiss Army knife”, because of the different possibilities offered by his guitars, both in terms of sound and design. They are inspired by the best guitars he has ever owned. UNIQUE FINISHES AND A COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT The Pralong-Guitars manufacturing process is marked by a concern for aesthetics and a commitment to the environment. The finishes, whether natural or vintage, are the result of a meticulous selection of materials and manual processing. The timeless, organic design elegantly evokes its Alpine roots, adorned with the stars of the Valais and the Matterhorn as touchstones. Irénée insists on the use of indigenous woods to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. CRAFTSMANSHIP, TECHNOLOGY AND PASSION COMBINED As a visionary entrepreneur, Irénée aspires to expand the Pralong-Guitars range by developing left-handed models, while maintaining the same quality and price ranges. His journey is an inspiring testament to how passion for music, wood craftsmanship and technology converge to create unique instruments. Pralong Guitars are not simply musical objects, but works of art. As Irénée explains, his guitars «make the wood sing».
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