Stefan Nitschke

Stefan Nitschke blends deep musical experience with craftsmanship, building guitars shaped by tradition and personal exploration. Inspired by classical repertoire and vintage tone, his instruments reflect precision, balance, and evolving acoustic ideals. Every model is handcrafted with care, offering rich soundscapes that appeal to discerning players who value tone, nuance, and the luthier’s vision.

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Stefan Nitschke – Guitar Maker

Early Musical Journey

When I was eleven years old, I started playing the guitar, and since then, this instrument has never let me go! After a brief phase of learning classical guitar, I wanted to play electric guitar and spent several years exploring blues, rock, and jazz. As I realized that I wanted more from and with the guitar, I returned to classical guitar and soon discovered my preference for Tarréga and other composers of the early 20th century.

Building the First Guitar

In 2002, I began my studies at the University of Music in Osnabrück. My teacher, Ulrich Müller, not only helped me improve my guitar playing but also encouraged me to build my first instrument. The goal was set: I wanted to build a guitar! I constructed my first guitar on the living room carpet at home. Not only was I excited, but my teacher Ulrich Müller was also impressed with my initial results. I couldn’t wait to build the next instrument.

Learning from Gerhard Oldiges

Around that time, I met Gerhard Oldiges. He allowed me to watch his work occasionally and ask many questions. My thirst for knowledge grew, and I realized that I had found an experienced luthier in Gerhard. We met several times in his workshop, and through hours of intense conversations, I learned the essentials of craftsmanship and artistic demands for high-quality instruments.

Combining Studies and Craft

In 2004, I continued my studies at the Academy of Music in Darmstadt with Olaf van Gonnissen. When I sold my third guitar right after completing it, I realized that guitar making should become more than just a hobby for me. Highly motivated, I tried to work as a guitar maker in parallel with my studies. Despite the high time and energy investment in instrument making, I successfully completed my studies in 2007 and obtained my concert diploma two years later.

Philosophy and Passion

Over the years, I tested every guitar I could get my hands on and sought inspiration. That’s how I discovered my passion for the sound of the old masters. My greatest motivation for building guitars is still the process: when the instrument takes shape from raw materials, and I can mold the sound ever closer to my personal ideal—even if I may never fully achieve that ideal sound.