When I look back over my work in years gone by as guitar maker, I am sure that my decision at that time to follow my dream of developing the skill was the right one, despite all the teething problems. My absolute conviction to achieve the best hand craft expertise, so vital to the principals of guitar making, was already then unshakeable. I needed the courage to follow my promising career and in doing so turn my back on a sure source of income and begin my self taught task, despite some well meant warnings. Limited financial means did not allow me to buy expensive tools or practical machinery at that time. I also had to use a modest converted shed. One really has to make do in hard times!

In the beginning it was not easy. In those days there was no time for doubts; fascination and child like joy for my job were, in themselves, guarantees for success. And it was not long in coming. After a very intensive period of experimentation it was in September 1993 that I reached a key stage: the first prototype had been completed: an acoustic guitar made with very special wood, an innovative design and a particular kind of velvet lacquer. From that initial enthusiasm for music I plunged into countless working hours in which I developed various models.I used different types of wood for their sound and quality, which were all tested for their resistance to static and daily use by the many musicians who were asked to try the guitars out. The effort paid dividends. My own company, Bachmann Guitars, with the inimitable ibex as logo, was set up. Impressed and convinced by my performance, noted musicians supported me ever more frequently, which encouraged me to also make E - guitars and basses, which came on to the market in 1996.

Since that time I have made the continuous effort to develop further, so as to improve and refine. I see each creation as a new challenge, which inspires me to experiment, leading mostly to success. A small example is my guitar with those unique wooden Titan rods, the weight of the neck being reduced by half. It has proved to be an excellent adaptation.

In closing, I should like to thank all the people who have supported me and enabled my dream to become reality, especially many friends and musicians who were valued and worthwhile advisers.

Rudolf Bachmann