2018 Jochen Röthel SP/IN

This guitar is built with a level of workmanship and attention to detail that is hard to surpass, and an elegant appearance that is near perfect. As with all of Jochen's guitars, materials are first-class. The spruce top is extremely stiff and perfectly quarter-sawn, and the guitar is quite light in weight for its size and dimensions, much like the guitars of Miguel Rodriguez. The gorgeous set of Indian rosewood used for the back and sides compliments the top beautifully. Tuners are by Alessi in Italy. As solid as this guitar looks in appearance, it is equally matched in sound - because of the lightweight build, it has immediate response, much like a flamenco - yet also retains a velvety, overtone-rich quality of sound and big body to every note up and down the entire register. It is also one of the more powerful instruments in our current inventory - it really has a huge, explosive sound. As Spanishy as this all might sound, it also has some very strong "Germanic" qualities as well, most notably a steady and clear tone, with extremely precise balance. Jochen likes to build his instruments with a low body resonance which gives the guitar a slightly darker dimension to each note and an impressive bottom-end. With a highly refined sound, excellent volume and sustain, this guitar has it all. Although used this guitar is in excellent condition with no prior damage or repairs, only some very mild wear from normal use. This is a great example of his best work and can easily be recommended for use in any professional setting.

In our opinion, Jochen Röthel is one of the finest luthiers working out of Germany today. Having grown up in a wood-working family, his passion for guitar making began shortly after high school. His background and training started with an apprenticeship at Lakewood Guitars, and he went on to complete a "Gesellenbrief" and ultimately a "Meisterbrief" (German "Meister" degree awarded by the guild and the state) after training at the famous "Staatliche Geigenbauschule Mittenwald" in the upper Bavarian Alps. Additionally, he has attended the famous Romanillos course. His high level of experience is evident in the quality of his guitars.