Guitar maker Daniel Stark from Oldenburg
Daniel Stark’s dedication to music and craftsmanship began early in childhood. After initial attempts at playing the piano, the classical guitar became his true passion.
After graduating from high school, he completed a year-long internship in Stephan Schlemper’s guitar-making workshop, allowing him to fully dedicate himself to his artistic inclinations. A particular inspiration during this early phase, and later on, was reading about the life and work of Antonio de Torres.
He then completed a four-year course of study (2002-2006) at the Academy of Musical Instrument Making in Markneukirchen (under the tutelage of Armin Gropp and Christoph Sembdner), graduating with a diploma.
Even during his studies, he attracted the attention of international musicians (Prof. Eric Franceries (France), 2005 / Prof. Jan Labant (Slovakia), 2006). This marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration, leading to the rapid spread of his instruments, with many finding homes in France.
In the fall of 2006, Daniel opened his first workshop in Friedrichsfehn, near Oldenburg, Germany.
Since then, various models have been created, often in close collaboration with musicians. His clients include classical artists as well as those from flamenco, jazz, blues, and world music.
Some exemplary references include: Hubert Käppel (Germany), Prof. Thomas Fellow (Germany), Prof. Gérard Abiton (France), Prof. Jesper Sivebaek (Denmark), Eric Bibb (USA), Katona Twins (Germany/UK), Adam Marec (Slovakia), Tommy Dupuis (Canada), Julie Malia (Germany), Philipp Wiechert (Germany)…
His unique „double-top“ construction method, which combines two thin top plates with a wooden grid, is particularly noteworthy. This produces a particularly balanced, powerful tone that remains vibrant and malleable, thus opening up new possibilities for professional musicians.
To date, Stark guitars have been played in well over 3,000 concerts worldwide, from Siberia to Djibouti to Brazil, and can be heard on more than 30 CDs and various television productions.
Since 2012, the workshop has been located in the heart of Oldenburg, near the Pferdemarkt (horse market). It has since become a collaborative workshop with guitar maker Hartmut Stührenberg and, since 2018, has been enriched by its first apprentice, Justus Förster, who remains part of the team.
Daniel Stark (born 1981) is married to Ramona, has two children, and lives and works in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony. Besides music and guitar making, his other passions include good food in good company and its preparation, team sports (inline hockey and soccer), and gardening. He is an active member of a Christian free church and plays guitar in the band.
Impressions from the guitar workshop
