Jens Ritter

Luthier

©Jens Ritter

The intriguing art of sculpting sounds

Jens is known for his exceptional designs
He combines tradition and innovation in one instrument
His works have developed into abstract art pieces

Jens Ritter started his impressive career as a guitar maker due to a simple request. “My best friend asked me to play the bass in his newly founded punk-rock band, but unfortunately I had no money to buy a new guitar.” So he decided to buy a damaged one and try to repair it himself. “It was a lot of fun and so I started to offer repair jobs to friends of mine.” But after a while he wanted to know if he could build an instrument from scratch, so he gave it a go in his carpenter grandfather's tiny wood workshop. Today, superstars such as Lady Gaga and world leading museums including the Metropolitan in New York are among those who own a masterpiece by Jens, whose creations have morphed from their traditional purpose into abstract art pieces.

Interview

©Jens Ritter

©Jens Ritter

What is the most overlooked aspect of building a guitar?: The sound composition of the material, as each timber has its own characteristics depending on a variety of influences. Finding the right composition is the most important step before the actual creation of the instrument.
The electric guitar is a comparatively young instrument, right?: Yes, that's why there are still very interesting directions in which you can develop sound- and design-wise. I am not committed to a traditionally restricted standard and can implement extremely crazy ideas without problems. That is actually what's made me so well known in the music scene.
How far do you draw on traditional craftsmanship?: I use very traditional oil and wax finishes which I learned from my grandfather. I carve every instrument by hand and refine the shape with sandpaper. But I also create 3D printed guitar bodies with the newest technology. That's the fun part, combining tradition and innovation in the same instrument.
Is your craft connected to where you're from?: No, building electric guitars is very unusual in this area. If I had started 20 years earlier, I would have needed to move to New York City or Los Angeles to build and especially sell electric guitars. But in 1996 the internet became a thing and so I could present my instruments to the whole world online.

Jens Ritter is a master artisan: he began his career in 1996 and he started teaching in 2000