John Weissenrieder (1964–2017) was an American classical guitar maker in Florence, Italy – a former professional cyclist who trained with Andrea Tacchi and became known for his guitars in homage to Enrique García, Francisco Simplicio and Robert Bouchet.
At a Glance
- Born: 1964, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died: 2017
- Workshop: Florence, Italy (with Andrea Tacchi from 1998, then his own)
- Trained: With Andrea Tacchi in Florence
- Models: "Garcia", "Simplicio", "Bouchet", "1950 Bouchet", 10-string
- Before guitars: US Junior National Team cyclist and professional mountain-bike racer
From Professional Cyclist to Guitar Maker
John Weissenrieder was born in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1964. After his university studies and a 12-year career as a top professional cyclist, he dedicated himself to the art of lutherie, combining his love of wood and working with his hands with a passion for music. Woodworking was in the family: his father, an IBM manager, was an excellent amateur woodworker, and his grandfather, who had emigrated from Switzerland to Pennsylvania, was a machinist and furniture maker. Before coming to Italy, John even built a bouzouki with George Diamesis on the Greek island of Poros.
Apprenticeship with Andrea Tacchi in Florence
After relocating to Florence, his formal studies began in the workshop of Andrea Tacchi in 1998. During his apprenticeship he also researched the instruments of some of the greatest makers of the past, including Enrique García, Francisco Simplicio and Robert Bouchet – research that took him to Spain and France, including a 1999 visit to the Barcelona music museum with Stefano Grondona.
John then built instruments in his own atelier in Florence, in the spirit of these luthiers and yet in a very personal style, paying the greatest attention to the selection of wood and materials. He combined traditional and modern methods to make guitars of the highest sonic and aesthetic quality. He is best known for his instruments in homage to García, Simplicio and particularly Bouchet; although they capture the spirit of those makers, they have a sound and look that can only be called John's.
In Memoriam
John died in 2017. His teacher and friend Andrea Tacchi shared his memories of him – from his first letter, sent from Greece in 1998, to their years together at the bench – in Andrea Tacchi Remembers John Weissenrieder.
Video: John Weissenrieder at Work
John Weissenrieder Guitars at GSI
Many John Weissenrieder 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 was John Weissenrieder?
An American classical guitar maker (1964–2017), a former professional cyclist, who trained with Andrea Tacchi and built guitars in Florence, Italy.
What guitars did John Weissenrieder make?
Mainly guitars in homage to the great makers of the past – his "Garcia", "Simplicio" and "Bouchet" models – as well as 10-string guitars.
