Thomas Ochs

Thomas Ochs is a German master luthier based in Kemmern near Bamberg, whose work combines traditional craftsmanship with scientific research and innovation. Since founding his own workshop in 2004, he has dedicated himself to exploring both the history and the acoustic foundations of the guitar. Trained from 1996 to 1999 at Hanika Guitars in Baiersdorf, Ochs expanded his knowledge under Israeli luthier Boaz Elkayam, where he first encountered the Kasha construction method. He later deepened his expertise at the University of Applied Sciences for Musical Instrument Making in Markneukirchen, developing a personal style grounded in the Spanish guitar-building tradition while integrating modern acoustic principles. His ongoing research and teaching activities reflect a commitment to uniting craftsmanship, scientific understanding, and musical expression in every instrument he creates.

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Thomas Ochs

Thomas Ochs has been working in his own workshop in Kemmern, near the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg in Upper Franconia, since September 2004. As a master guitar maker, he combines traditional craftsmanship with a deep interest in the history and scientific foundations of the guitar. In addition to his workshop, he teaches as a lecturer in Markneukirchen at the University of Applied Sciences Zwickau, where he contributes to the academic study of musical instrument making.

Learning the Craft

From 1996 to 1999, Thomas Ochs trained in guitar making at the renowned Hanika company in Baiersdorf. After successfully completing his journeyman’s examination, he sought to expand his understanding of the guitar’s structure and acoustics. This led him to attend a seminar with the Israeli luthier Boaz Elkayam, where he was first introduced to the innovative Kasha construction method.

Scientific Foundation and Style

Driven by the desire to combine practical craftsmanship with scientific insight, Ochs studied at the University of Applied Sciences for Musical Instrument Making in Markneukirchen from 2000 to 2004. Early in his studies, he immersed himself in the Spanish tradition of guitar building, aiming to create a classically inspired concert guitar distinguished by aesthetic refinement, technical precision, and tonal excellence.

Kasha Model and Research

During his main studies, Ochs returned to Boaz Elkayam’s workshop in Mexico for his practical semester, where he conducted hands-on research into the Kasha construction method. His diploma thesis explored the theoretical foundations of this design in depth and culminated in the development and realization of his own Kasha model guitar, which merges scientific research with masterful craftsmanship.