Jochen Rthel – 2025 – Cedar/Madagascar

About the luthier

Jochen Rthel, born in 1969 in Kitzingen, Bavaria, is a German luthier whose craft was shaped by his early exposure to woodworking as the son of a cabinetmaker. He trained at Lakewood Guitars in Giessen under Martin Seeliger, where he also formed a lasting connection with Michel Brck. In 1992 he attended a masterclass with Jos Luis Romanillos in Crdoba, Spain, which strongly influenced his focus on the Spanish tradition of guitar making. After receiving his masters degree in 1997, Rthel opened his first workshop in Oldenburg and later moved to Sommerhausen. His work is informed by many years of restoration as well as the study of historical instruments by Manuel Ramrez and Hermann Hauser. Rthels guitars combine traditional Spanish construction with a precise, methodical approach that results in instruments valued for their clarity, balance, and craftsmanship.

About the guitar

This guitar, completed in 2025, is built in the traditional style with a cedar top and Madagascar rosewood back and sides, finished with French polish. The Madagascar rosewood provides tonal depth and strong projection, while the cedar top adds warmth and responsiveness. At just 1365 grams, it is exceptionally light, a characteristic that enhances its immediacy of response and ease of play.The air resonance lies between F and F, giving the instrument a secure tonal foundation without limiting openness in the treble register. Rthels refined bracing produces a sound that is highly balanced, with a sustain unusually long even for this tradition of guitar making. Chords retain their integrity over time, with both bass and treble notes ringing evenly. The trebles are bright and bell-like, with clear overtones, while the basses are rounded and present without overwhelming the overall voice. The instrument also offers a very wide dynamic range, responding with sensitivity in pianissimo yet retaining strength and clarity under a powerful attack. These qualities make it particularly versatile across repertoire from early music to contemporary works.The guitar conveys a sense of openness and breathes easily under the players hands, giving both security and comfort in performance. Fitted with Klaus Scheller tuning machines and supplied with a Hiscox Pro II Siccas Edition case, it represents Rthels focus on light construction, tonal depth, and responsive playability.