Annette Stephany is a German classical guitar maker, born in 1982, who works in Schweinfurt. Trained in Mittenwald and with Lorenzo Frignani in Modena, she is known for her models after Frignani's 1910 Manuel Ramírez and 1906 Enrique García.
At a Glance
- Born: 1982, Germany
- Workshop: Schweinfurt, Germany (earlier Modena, Italy, and Cologne)
- Trained: Violin-making school in Mittenwald; apprenticeship with Lorenzo Frignani; restoration with Bernhard Kresse
- Models: 1910 Manuel Ramírez, 1906 Enrique García, and her own design
- Known for: Light, responsive guitars; violin varnish; unusual woods such as ash
From Mittenwald to Modena
Annette became fascinated by lutherie at 14, when she met a violin maker, and her father, a very handy woodworker, introduced her to working with wood. At 21, after high school and some travel, she enrolled in the violin-making school in Mittenwald – Kathrin Hauser was there at the same time – and completed the course three years later. While at school she worked for the harp maker Eric Kleinmann.
She had met Lorenzo Frignani at the Frankfurt Music Fair while still at school and fallen in love with his instruments, so as soon as she finished she went to Modena, Italy, to apprentice with him. She worked from Frignani's shop until 2013, with a one-year break for a restoration course in Bernhard Kresse's workshop in Cologne. In 2013 she completed her 31st guitar under her own label on her 31st birthday – also her tenth year as a luthier – and it became the first guitar we had from her.
Cologne and Schweinfurt
In 2014 Annette moved to Cologne, where she shared a workshop with Bernhard Kresse. After building in several cities, she now works on her own in Schweinfurt, Germany.
A 1910 Ramírez and a 1906 García
Her first guitar for us, in flamed maple and spruce, was based on a 1910 Manuel Ramírez that belongs to Frignani (see his own 1910 Manuel Ramírez replica). She has since built Ramírez models with 7+2 bracing, "García" models after a 1906 Enrique García with 9+2 bracing, and guitars of her own design, some finished with a violin varnish learned from Frignani. Her guitars are light and quick to respond, with a natural, earthy sound, great clarity and surprising volume.
Photos: Building a Guitar
A look at one of Annette's guitars taking shape in her workshop (click to enlarge):
Annette Stephany Guitars at GSI
Many Annette Stephany guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You'll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the "Guitars In Stock" button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the "Guitars In Museum" button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Annette Stephany?
A German classical guitar maker, born in 1982, trained in Mittenwald and with Lorenzo Frignani in Modena, now working in Schweinfurt.
What guitars does Annette Stephany build?
Models after a 1910 Manuel Ramírez and a 1906 Enrique García from Frignani's collection, and guitars of her own design.
