Henner Hagenlocher is a German classical guitar maker of the Granada school. He began building guitars in 1993, was won over by the Granada style on a visit to Antonio Marín Montero's workshop in 1996 and worked in Granada for some twenty years, before returning to Germany in 2018. Today he builds in Eutingen, near Stuttgart; his guitars blend Marín's influence with the old Spanish masters Torres, Santos Hernández and Manuel Ramírez. GSI is his exclusive dealer in the USA.
At a Glance
- Nationality: German
- Workshop: Eutingen, near Stuttgart, Germany (since 2018)
- Granada: about twenty years, from the late 1990s to 2018
- Building guitars: since 1993
- Studies: Music Technology, London Guildhall University
- Main influence: Antonio Marín Montero
- Historical influences: Torres, Santos Hernández and Manuel Ramírez
- Known for: a slightly smaller body, light build, immediate attack
- US dealer: GSI (exclusive)
From London to Granada
Henner Hagenlocher began building guitars in 1993, while living in London, where he studied Music Technology at London Guildhall University. There he was introduced to modern design concepts aimed largely at increasing the volume of the guitar, but he found that they resulted in instruments that were too heavy and clumsy for his taste. His guitar teacher at the time owned a guitar by Antonio Marín Montero, and Henner liked it so much that he decided to learn more about the Granada school. In 1996 he visited Marín's workshop, was immediately captivated by the Granada style, and soon settled in Granada, opening his own workshop close by.
The Granada School and the Old Spanish Masters
Since then his guitars have blended the Marín influence with qualities of the old, traditional Spanish guitars, discovered through his extensive study of great masters such as Torres, Santos Hernández and Manuel Ramírez. His instruments are therefore lightweight, with an immediate, explosive attack, and although he builds in a largely traditional style they have great power and projection. Most of his guitars have a slightly smaller body, a rich, textured tone with thick basses and lyrical trebles, and an easy, comfortable neck; in the Granada manner, their appointments are tasteful yet understated. He has also built flamenco blancas, with a rich old-world sound and plenty of bite.
In Granada, Henner was a close friend of the late Rolf Eichinger, who arrived there at around the same time. In 2018 he marked 25 years of guitar making, and 20 in Granada, with a limited series of "25th Anniversary" guitars.
Eutingen, Germany
In 2018 Henner moved back to his native Germany, and he now works in Eutingen, about 50 km from Stuttgart. We still consider him one of the makers of the Granada school - he carries much of what he learned there into his current work.
Many Henner Hagenlocher 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
Where is Henner Hagenlocher's workshop?
In Eutingen, about 50 km from Stuttgart, Germany. Before 2018 he worked in Granada, Spain, for some twenty years.
Who influenced Henner Hagenlocher?
Above all Antonio Marín Montero, whose workshop he visited in 1996, along with the old Spanish masters Torres, Santos Hernández and Manuel Ramírez.
Where can I buy a Henner Hagenlocher guitar in the USA?
GSI is Henner Hagenlocher's exclusive dealer in the USA.
