“For me, creating guitars is a form of composition. Just as musicians shape their feelings and thoughts through sound I express my own through the pieces I create.

Some carry entire stories from my life; others distill brief moments or impressions that crossed my path – consciously or unconsciously – in the flow of everyday life.”

Jens Ritter

Jens Ritter in his artist studio

Artist and Master Luthier

Jens Ritter is a german artist and master luthier whose work centers on the functional, sculptural, and cultural potential of the electric guitar.

Raised in an environment shaped by craftsmanship, art, and music, he developed a distinct creative language early in life, later refining it through mechanical arts studies and hands-on training within his family’s workshop tradition.

For thirty years, Ritter has created avant-garde electric guitars for internationally renowned musicians and his works are frequently awarded for their defining finest qualities, unique design and technical perfection.

Generational Cultural Collections

Jens Ritter‘s work grace the collections of esteemed institutions such as the MET - Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C..
‍
‍Renowned artists including Prince (†), Lady Gaga, George Benson, Nile Rodgers, Mary J. Blige, musicians of the Grateful Dead, Madonna, Van Halen and many more own Jens Ritter’s creations in their collections.

"We are very selective.
This is actually the first electric bass in the museum’s collection.
We are very interested in the best makers of the current
generation. That's certainly who Jens Ritter is and that is why
we wanted a work of his!"

Jayson Dobney,
The Met, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

"Jens Ritter pushes the limits of his craft!"

Rubensteins Magazine

The fusion of Stradivarius and Picasso!

Kennith Kimery,
Smithsonian Institution Washington D.C.

Rock`n`Roll freedom

From his frequent travels through the great metropolises and most amazing places in the world, Jens Ritter draws energy and inspiration. Enjoying great opportunities of meeting mesmerizing people and being invited to extraordinary events is like fuel to his creative drive and individual expression through shaping the cultural world.

Those special encounters that are greatly varied and unique are mostly united by essential forces: the love of freedom, the love of music, and the boundless positive and courageous spirit of Rock ’n’ Roll.

"F***ing awesome guitars!"

Dave Grohl,
Foo Fighters and Nirvana

"Jens Ritter, the Philippe
Starck of electric guitars!"

Marco Thulio,Jota Quest

AUDACITY AND ARTISTIC VISION

For three decades, Jens Ritter has been exploring the essence of music instruments: their potential, their unique qualities and their limits. In doing so, his work reaches far beyond the instrument itself and touches something bigger: the deep cultural role of music and musical instruments in the human experience.

In recent years, his artistic works (such as the Sleeping Beauties Series) as well as boundary-crossing pieces emerging from his “classic” instruments, have been shown in galleries, at art fairs and in exclusive exhibition contexts. Through that the cultural impact of his whole body of work expands to a broader audience.

In these times of epochal cultural change – when the meaning of making music, and with it the deeply human need for artistic self-expression, is being renegotiated – Jens Ritter’s work preserves that unique heritage of music’s indisputable importance to humanity very passionately: to be creative is to be human.

"Looking through Ritter’s collection
it’s easy to see why his pieces
have been featured in art galleries!"

Smartlife International Magazine

"Jens Ritter –
soon to be legendary …"

Davison Magazine,
Singapore

TRADITION AND INNOVATION

Through respect for tradition, enriched by decades of experience and a heritage of craftsmanship running in the family and at the same time being independent and focused on the future, is key to innovation at Jens Ritters Studio.

With a sharp eye and true fingertip feel, Jens Ritter’s Studio ensures uncompromising top-tier quality at every step of the production process. And the quality management doesn`t even end with shipping, it includes a lifelong service.

Those values are also expressed in the setting of production: Jens Ritter lives and works in Deidesheim, South-Western Germany, where his workshop is located in a historic 17th-century winery. There, he and his team craft a limited number of pieces each year that reflect the studios quest for the most exceptional and finest workmanship.

This year, we proudly celebrate 30 years of Jens Ritter Instruments –
three decades of passion, craftsmanship, and artistic vision.

Join us for a year filled with very special anniversary highlights and unforgettable creations.

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