Toby Rzepka

Toby Rzepka began building guitars in 2001 after studying under Walter Stanul at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He later worked with master luthier Stephan Connor and specialized in Baroque and Renaissance guitar making at West Dean College in England. Rzepka’s instruments combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sound design, achieving a perfect harmony of balance, tone, and playability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars

How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?

Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.

What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?

Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.

Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?

Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?

Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.

What payment methods and financing options do you offer?

We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.

How do I properly care for my classical guitar?

A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.

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About the Guitar Maker

Toby Rzepka began building guitars more than 20 years ago, in 2001, after studying with Walter Stanul at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He later worked with renowned American luthier Stephan Connor and went on to study Baroque and Renaissance guitar making at the West Dean College of Arts and Conservation in England, where he was awarded the President’s Prize and an additional distinction for excellence in 2008.

Toby Rzepka views classical guitar making as a continually evolving art form — both for the individual luthier and for the craft as a whole. Over the centuries, the design and execution of guitars have changed dramatically. To honor tradition, in his view, means to evolve while still paying tribute to the great masters of guitar making.

In keeping with this philosophy, Toby combines modern sound design techniques with classical aesthetics. In each of his concert guitars, art, science, and intuition converge to achieve the perfect balance of tone, response, and playability. The result is an instrument that embodies both technical excellence and artistic expression — a true continuation of the rich heritage of classical guitar making.