Bastian Kanbach

Zeal Guitars

Luthier

©Robert Bachmann

©Bastian Kanbach

©Robert Bachmann

When failure leads to excellence

Bastian builds customised electric guitars
He uses special surface treatments
He finds playing the first notes on a new instrument to be magical

The guitar has always played an important role in the life of Bastian Kanbach. “I have been playing the guitar since I was 11, so I have always had a close connection to this instrument; it has enriched my life and given me the opportunity to travel the world and meet new people,” he says. However, studying music did not seem to be the right way for him to go. “I have had a weakness for crafts since my childhood, so it became obvious to pursue this passion professionally.” Bastian started training in guitar making in 2003 and later joined the workshop of Siggi Braun in Göppingen, where he created more than 100 customised guitars. Since 2010 he has been working in his own workshop with Oliver Reich, crafting exquisite electric guitars under the name Zeal Guitars.

Interview

©Bastian Kanbach

©Bastian Kanbach

Would you consider yourself an innovator?: The potential for innovation in the field of instrument making tends to be limited. But nevertheless, I always look for new possibilities, especially in design and surface design. However, construction and technology are usually rather classical and traditional.
What is the basis for your work?: The countless failures and the lessons learned from them that inevitably happen on one’s way to artisanal mastery.
Has there been an unforgettable moment in your professional life?: There have been many wonderful moments, but one keeps coming back to me. When I play the first notes on an instrument I have built myself, that is and will always be something special to me.
What has changed since the compulsory title of master was abolished?: Since that change, the job title guitar maker has been used excessively. Now, there are a lot of self-taught people who are offering their services on the market, but many of them disappear quickly again.

Bastian Kanbach is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2003