Theo Scharpach Archtop : Explore the art of jazz guitar making

Theo Scharpach Archtop : Explore the art of jazz guitar making – Preview of the creation of an exceptional jazz guitar masterclass in Germany in October 2024.

In the exhilarating world of jazz music, the instruments themselves play a crucial role in creating the unique, captivating sound that characterizes this musical genre. At the heart of this symbiosis of art and technique is Theo Scharpach, a master luthier whose custom-made guitars have captured the hearts of jazz musicians the world over.

As creator of the masterclass event featuring jazz legends Peter Bernstein, Neff Irizarry and Wolf Martini, Theo Scharpach embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that drives this eagerly-awaited event. Before delving into the details of this exceptional masterclass, let’s take a moment to get to know the man behind the guitars, Theo Scharpach.

Born near Vienna, Austria, Theo Scharpach moved to the Netherlands at an early age, but was steeped in Austrian culture thanks to his upbringing and family influences. After completing a degree in antique furniture restoration, he discovered his true passion as a guitar maker, a craft he has been practicing with excellence for 40 years now.

Through his skilled hands, Theo Scharpach has crafted instruments for legendary musicians such as Al di Meola, Steve Howe, Randy Bachman, Ted Ludwig and many others. His artisanal approach and commitment to quality are reflected in every guitar he creates, offering a rich palette of sound and unparalleled intimacy for artists and music lovers alike.

Join us as we explore the art of jazz guitar making with Theo Scharpach, the visionary behind the masterclass that promises to inspire and educate future generations of musicians.

Theo Scharpach Archtop :
1 – The Art of Luthiery:

Theo, can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to become a luthier specializing in custom jazz guitars?

This has developed in a natural way.

Starting with classical concert guitars and flat tops slowly I became fascinated more and more by the construction of Archtop, which is almost similar as making violins or cello’s. It is a complex way to create a musical instrument.

The Arch and thickness of the materials are quite important. And I have been lucky to become very old stocks of woods (as woods from the legendary German maker Artur Lang). Often being called if I would be interested to buy these old stocks.

These often big investments however paid off, clearly.

Explore the art of jazz guitar making - Preview of the creation of an exceptional jazz guitar masterclass in Germany in October 2024. - Luthiers.com — Theo Scharpach Archtop : Explore the art of jazz guitar making – Preview of the creation of an exceptional jazz guitar masterclass in Germany in October 2024. – Luthiers.com

2 – Influences and Inspiration:

What are your main sources of inspiration as a luthier? Are there any luthiers or artists who have particularly influenced you in your work?

Not really.

I do have respect for the current fine makers of course but none of them have really influenced me in a sense that I wish to copy them. As I never had done this in my early years neither.

There are really many great makers that make some of the fine Archtops today.

Theo Scharpach Archtop :
3 – Jazz Guitar Creation:

Can you describe the process involved in making a custom jazz guitar? What are the most important aspects to consider when creating an instrument for a jazz musician?

The best custom guitar is when the Client selects the Instrument he wants and gives me a free hand.

I am currently building a guitar for Ted Ludwig and we just discussed minor issues like dimensions of the nut, thickness of the neck etc.

Ted knows that I will build him the best guitar possible.

4 – Collaborations and experience:

You’ve worked with many renowned musicians. Can you share with us some of your experiences collaborating with renowned artists such as Al di Meola, Steve Howe and others?

Nowadays it becomes harder and harder to work with these ”stars”.

Through internet the world has changed dramatically and not in a good way into many directions.

When I started it was easy to meet with all these great players. Now it almost impossible as the management of stars kills any direct contact. Seldom you get a nice person that understands your demand. They do not seem to care about this matter just about making profit. So their answer is mostly: you are free to give him a guitar. Which is of course a very idiotic reply. Sorry. When you get in touch with the stars themselves live becomes much easier and relaxed.

Again mostly they just trust my experience and give me a free hand.

Theo Scharpach Archtop :
5 – Artistic approach:

How would you describe your artistic approach as a luthier? Are there specific elements you seek to incorporate in each of your creations?

The most important issue for me is to design an almost simple looking guitar with but great lines.

And this a true challenge. I see sometimes guitars with incredible inlay work but with poor lines of the actual guitar. When building a high end guitar it should of course be a good sounding instrument be it acoustically or amplified. And I am so happy to have found, after so many years, a London Jazz Guitar pick-up maker that makes a custom pickup as I want it.

Now I am very happy with amplified sound also.

6 – Quality and Sound:

What aspects of quality and sound do you consider most important in the making of a custom jazz guitar?

To create a mellow strong sound and a balance without the peeking of any tone over the entire fingerboard.

That is the feedback I receive from all the player. They just love and value the incredible balance these guitars have.

Due to this is also the use of a really old stock of woods that I have that help to create this fine balance.

Theo Scharpach Archtop :
7 – Jazz Guitar Masterclass:

You were behind the creation of the masterclass featuring Peter Bernstein, Neff Irizarry and Wolf Martini. Can you tell us about your vision behind this event and what you hope it will bring to participants?

It is something I wanted to do for some years.

After meeting with Neff Irizarry we both found it nice to organize this. It is not only for those who play high end Jazz already but for all of those who just love the Jazz Guitar.

To be together in a group jazz music lovers will be very inspiring.

8 – Knowledge Transfer:

As an experienced luthier, how do you see your role in educating and passing on knowledge to musicians and music enthusiasts?

It is always at the back of my mind.

But I remember when I started and wanted to get some education in Germany. (about 40 years ago already) None of these famous makers wanted to educate anymore because of the bad experience most of them have made with those who wanted to learn guitar making.

After two years working with Master, most of them called themselves already a professional guitarmaker. Strange. And to be honest, nowadays there already to many guitar makers.

Example: Berlin has 25 Guitar makers, how can that work, when the market is also changing and the young upgrowing people mostly like to sit behind their computer.

Theo Scharpach Archtop :
9 – Evolution of guitar making:

How do you see the future of guitar making and its impact on the world of music, particularly in the context of jazz?

There will always be a group of dedicated and experienced guitarmakers that survive.

There will always be a need for high end high quality guitars but the market will get smaller, we are no more living in the seventies where many stars started their collection of guitars. I know some of these stars and they own over 400 guitars. This was no exception back then.

But many collectors are now selling out as just recently also Randy Bachman did.

Theo Scharpach Archtop :
10 – Closing words and thanks:

In conclusion, Theo, we’d like to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Do you have any final words for Luthiers.com readers and future masterclass participants?

I wish to thank Luthiers.com for their love, passion and never ending dedication for the guitar.

And of course we will welcome those who will enjoy with us these two days of Jazz Guitar music with these great teachers and player: Peter Bernstein, Neff Irizarry and Wolf Martini.

Theo Scharpach’s expertise: Conclusion of the interview

As this interview draws to a close, we are grateful to Theo Scharpach for sharing with us his knowledge and experience as a master luthier specializing in custom jazz guitar building. His dedication to the art of lutherie and his commitment to music education have informed our understanding of how instruments contribute to the richness of jazz.

As the visionary behind the creation of the masterclass featuring jazz legends Peter Bernstein, Neff Irizarry and Wolf Martini, Theo Scharpach embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that drives this exceptional event. His passion for music and meticulous craftsmanship have opened up new avenues for musicians the world over.

As we prepare to explore the subtleties of jazz in this unique masterclass, we thank Theo Scharpach for his dedication to the art of lutherie and for making this experience possible.

May his guitars continue to inspire musicians and create unforgettable harmonies in the world of jazz.