Gerhard Schöpp

Luthier

©makeART OG

A knack for pulling strings

Gerhard quit architectural studies to pursue his craft
His specialty is Western guitars
He loves the smell of wood

Gerhard Schöpp opened his string instrument workshop in 2018, a year after obtaining his craftsman’s diploma. For Gerhard, a musical instrument is much more than the sum of its parts: It’s a sophisticated construction, design, and a tool that people can use to be creative and touch others with their music. "In a way, I've been an instrument maker all my life, even if I didn't realize it until late," Gerhard says. He thinks every human being is born to do something that they’re particularly good at. "Already as a child, I was good at working with my hands," says Gerhard reminiscing about building a pitfall in the sandpit to catch Smurfs as the beginning of his creative pursuits.

Interview

©makeART OG

©makeART OG

What was your journey to being a craftsman?: It took a long time from my first thought to a four-year training at the string instrument maker school, including five years of guitar making as a hobby while studying architecture. At that time, I bought a book and used my granddad’s rudimentary tools to build a Western guitar made of walnut with a spruce top.
What’s the best thing about your craft?: I love the variety it offers, breathing in the scent of cedar wood and observing how the grain begins to glow when the wood is varnished or oiled. But the best moment of all is seeing the shine in the musicians’ eyes when they pick up their instruments for the first time.
Which wood do you love working with?: While I like almost all types of wood, if they are decorative and easy to work with, I try to use local timber as often as possible. My favourites are light-coloured lumbers such as maple and spruce because no dark dust is produced during processing.
What challenges do you face?: On the one hand, the competitive pressure from Asia is enormous. In the low-priced segment, you’re simply not competitive. On the other hand, instrument making is currently experiencing a renaissance, not least because many musicians are looking for something special, unique and individually tailored to them.

Gerhard Schöpp is a rising star: he began his career in 2017