My second guitar project was a replica of a Steve Stevens guitar by Hamer. Because of this guitar I got my first official order as a luthier from my guitar teacher Otto, who asked me if I could build him such a guitar as well. At that time, I was already training as a carpenter in a window construction factory. I proudly accepted this challenge and shortened breakfast and lunch breaks at work to take advantage of the possibilities to use the belt grinders and routers.
In 1989, after completing my apprenticeship as a carpenter, 20 months of civil service and a year as journeyman at my training company, I took the step into self-employment as luthier. A workshop in the city centre was quickly found and I moved into my first domicile at Schönstraße, which was located on today’s exhibition grounds. Actually it was a basement hole, but I had never noticed that during the 13 years there. There were enough ideas, wood and machines available and the journey could begin.
In 1990 I visited the music fair in Frankfurt for the first time under the flag of Cyan Guitars. A complete success in terms of the opinions of the trade visitors. For four more years, I went to the Frankfurt Music Fair every spring, to present my new guitar models.