Thomas Ochs
Workshop
Since September 2004 he has been working in his own workshop in Kemmern near the World Heritage City of Bamberg in Upper Franconia. As a master guitar maker, he considers it essential to study both the history and the scientific foundations of the guitar. He also teaches in Markneukirchen as a lecturer in the musical instrument making program at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau.
Apprenticeship
From 1996 to 1999 he completed his apprenticeship at the company Hanika in Baiersdorf. After passing the journeyman’s examination, he continued exploring the construction principles of the guitar and attended a seminar with Israeli luthier Boaz Elkayam, where he gained his first insights into the Kasha construction method.
Studies
To deepen his understanding of the scientific foundations of instrument making and to develop his own approach, he studied from 2000 to 2004 at the University of Applied Sciences for Musical Instrument Making in Markneukirchen. At the beginning of his studies, it was important for him to understand the Spanish guitar-making tradition and to define his concept of a traditionally built concert guitar on a high aesthetic, craftsmanship, and tonal level.
Abroad
During his main studies he spent his practical semester in the workshop of Boaz Elkayam in Mexico, where he was able to examine the Kasha construction method directly. His diploma thesis focused on the theoretical foundations of this method and its practical implementation in his own Kasha model.
