Otto Vowinkel

Otto Vowinkel is a respected Amsterdam-based luthier known worldwide for his traditionally built concert guitars. His instruments are lightweight, powerful, highly responsive, and entirely French-polished. Recognizable by his Amsterdam-inspired rosette and carved headstock, Vowinkel uses cedar or spruce tops and select rosewoods, cocobolo, maple, or cypress. In addition to his classical models, he also builds baritone, seven-string, flamenco, and custom instruments.

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Otto Vowinkel – Guitar Maker

Otto Vowinkel is a highly respected name in the classical guitar world, known internationally for his meticulous craftsmanship and preference for traditionally built instruments.

Sound, Design, and Models

His guitars are lightweight, extremely responsive, easy to play, and remarkably powerful. They offer excellent tonal characteristics, consistent tone color, and perfect intonation. His concert guitars are entirely French polished with shellac. A distinctive rosette features herringbone purfling and a mosaic motif inspired by the flag of Amsterdam. The carved headstock reflects the façade of his workshop.

In addition to the traditional classical model, he builds baritone guitars (quintbass), cutaways, seven-string guitars, and flamenco guitars. His student models are handcrafted in Spain under his supervision.

Materials and Craftsmanship

For the soundboard, Vowinkel uses Canadian cedar or European spruce, paired with various types of rosewood for the back and sides. He also incorporates cocobolo, maple, and Spanish cypress (for flamenco guitars).