Tamara Stahl - 2025 - No.16

About the luthier

Tamara Stahl began her journey in guitar making in 2016 while working at Siccas Guitars in Karlsruhe, Germany. Playing and studying a wide range of handcrafted instruments sparked her fascination with the construction and tonal character of fine guitars. In 2019, she graduated from the renowned instrument-making school in Mittenwald, Bavaria. To deepen her knowledge of the cultural and historical roots of the classical guitar, she moved to southern Spain, where she learned from experienced masters in the cradle of modern guitar making. Since 2022, she has been based in Weimar, Germany, sharing a workshop with fellow luthier Johanna Vogl, where both benefit from a collaborative yet independent working environment. Her guitars are characterized by precision, refined aesthetics, and a sound that combines the sweetness and clarity of traditional instruments with modern qualities of power and projection. Stahl continually develops her building system through small, deliberate refinements, striving for a balance of resonance, stability, and expressivity in every new instrument.

About the guitar

This guitar, No. 16 from 2025, reflects Tamara Stahl’s matured building style and artistic vision. Constructed in the traditional Spanish manner, it features a spruce top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, finished with French polish. The doubled sides, reinforced back, and carefully weighted bridge all contribute to enhanced projection, stability, and tonal richness. Tonally, the guitar offers clarity, sweetness, and a wide palette of colors. It responds quickly and evenly across registers, with excellent sustain and dynamic range. The trebles are clear and singing, while the basses are present without overpowering. Its character combines the intimacy and tonal beauty of traditional guitars with the headroom and power demanded in concert situations. The elevated fretboard ensures comfortable playability and effortless access to higher positions. The guitar’s visual design reflects Stahl’s personal interpretation of the Alhambra’s architectural motifs. The abstract rosette, with its fine geometric elements and subtle interplay of tones, was inspired by the domes and mosaics of Granada’s Moorish palace. The result is an instrument that unites traditional craftsmanship with modern artistry, both visually and acoustically.