Born in Kranenburg, Germany, Alfred began his apprenticeship with Rudolf Elbin of Bonn in 1977. While with Mr Elbin, Alfred had the opportunity to work on some historically important bows, including Tourte and Sacconi, and some important instruments went through Mr Elbins shop, including those by Stradavarius. After completing his apprenticeship in 1980 he worked for Mr Elbin as a journeyman until 1982, when he married his wife, Amy, and moved to North Carolina. Alfred has been working as a full time luthier ever since.
Alfred has a strong commitment to the mastery and use of traditional techniques. While power tools may be used for rough work, they may only be used after the equivalent hand tool technique has been mastered. All finished surfaces, inside and out, new work and restoration, are executed by hand. All work done in the shop must meet Alfred's standards of exelence.
In addition to being a master luthier, Alfred is a fine musician and he and his wife, Amy, operate a small farm with the use of draft horses. You can check out Alfred's band, the Lazybirds, at http://www.lazybirds.net/ .
Here is a link to a cool old video featuring Alfred talking about traditional farming and why he named the shop Solitude http://contentdm.library.appstate.edu/docapp/brviews/solitude_shop.html
Alfred has a strong commitment to the mastery and use of traditional techniques. While power tools may be used for rough work, they may only be used after the equivalent hand tool technique has been mastered. All finished surfaces, inside and out, new work and restoration, are executed by hand. All work done in the shop must meet Alfred's standards of exelence.
In addition to being a master luthier, Alfred is a fine musician and he and his wife, Amy, operate a small farm with the use of draft horses. You can check out Alfred's band, the Lazybirds, at http://www.lazybirds.net/ .
Here is a link to a cool old video featuring Alfred talking about traditional farming and why he named the shop Solitude http://contentdm.library.appstate.edu/docapp/brviews/solitude_shop.html