Founded in 1981 and bought in 2003 by the Algam group, Lâg has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of French acoustic guitars. The company knew how to renew itself by launching in particular the first smart guitar in the world, in collaboration with Hyvibe.

« Our success is due to our obsessive search for product innovation and our adaptation to the market. », affirms Gérard Garnier, owner of Algam which brings together 150 brands of instruments and musical equipment including The G, Pleyel and Woodbrass. The latter is defined as as a CEO, i.e. a President General Designer. By buying Lâg in 2003, this former manufacturer turned the company around, then specializing in electric guitars, by redirecting it towards acoustic guitars. " I had the chance to be disruptive several times in my career. I am literally committed to innovation “, insists the entrepreneur, who was the apostle of electro-acoustic guitars in France in the early 1970s. “ If we want to stand out and collect decent margins, we have to innovate. »

“The HyVibe brings us the innovative side”

In 2017, Lâg joined forces with the Parisian startup Hyvibe, specialized in R&D and electronic card design, to launch a somewhat special guitar. " The real innovation is to have been at the origin of the first smart guitar acoustics thanks to HyVibe.” With its integrated processor, this instrument can self-amplify, generate its own effects and act as a bluetooth speaker. As soon as he met Adrien Mamou-Mani, head of Hyvibe, Gérard Garnier " saw in this innovation the new revolution he needed. As a result, sales exceeded 10 copies. " It is a resounding success. The product is installing; the concept of smart guitar is gaining ground, especially in China. “, he rejoices.

Another win-win operation, with Vianney, which has become the mainstay of the brand. Inseparable from his guitar, the singer co-created in 2020 with Lâg, a signature model that sold more than 2 copies. " We are very happy with this partnership. commented Gérard Garnier. " Thanks to him, we are gaining notoriety in France. Artists of the same level are also considering working with us. »

Total quality control

Founded more than 40 years ago, Lâg collaborated for many years with Maurice Dupont, one of the great names in French violin making. He has " took charge of the destiny of the Lâg factory », based in Thouaré-sur-Loire, near Nantes, bringing it up to the standards of the most beautiful factories in the world, particularly in terms of hygrometry.

Since 2012, the French brand has been manufacturing its guitars in a "high-end factory" in China, which employs 140 people. " We have good quality of industrial guitars with all craftsmanship “, underlines the president of the Algam group. The company wants to continue to expand its range as soon as possible ».