About Us

About Tesla Strings

Built from experience, made for guitar makers

TESLA Strings was established with the goal of assisting luthiers in Europe and beyond. Our e-shop grew from our own work with guitars, and over the years this experience has shaped the tools, materials and parts we offer to other guitar makers.

The Beginning

From building guitars to TESLA Strings

TESLA Strings grew from our own work building guitars and developing the tools, materials and electronics needed for them. Over time, our stock of specialist parts and materials grew, and we began making them available to other guitar makers.

Mulen electric guitar
Guitar by Mulen Guitars, luthier Milan Zelenka.
The Luthier

From Cremona to Andalucía

My journey into guitar making began with music. I have always loved listening to and playing flamenco, and this gradually led me deeper into the instrument and the craft of building it.

I first went to Cremona, Italy, to study violin making, but I soon realized that violin making was not my calling.

Master Luca Mario Gallo teaching Ivan how to select violin wood in Cremona
Master Luca Mario Gallo teaching me how to select violin wood at Grandi Liutai Italiani, Cremona.

My path then took me to Úbeda in Andalucía, Spain, where I studied guitar making with Master Luthier Paco Chorobo and built my own guitar under his guidance. The historic city, part of the UNESCO-listed Renaissance heritage of Úbeda and Baeza, became an important place in my journey.

Traditional Flamenca Blanca guitar under construction
My traditional Flamenca Blanca guitar under construction, using peones for the soundboard lining.

Paco encouraged me to pass my knowledge on to others, just as he does. This inspired me to offer one-to-one guitar making courses.

Paco Chorobo adjusting the string action on Ivan's guitar
Paco Chorobo making the final adjustment to the string action on my Flamenca Blanca guitar.
Ivan with Master Luthier Paco Chorobo in Úbeda
At the end of the course with Master Luthier Paco Chorobo on the left and Ivan Kotzig on the right, Úbeda.
Spanish Guitars

Classical or Flamenco

Both are Spanish guitars, often made using the same mold and in the same workshop. But the choice of classical or flamenco is made at the very beginning, influencing the wood thickness, bracing, weight and even the width of the body.

Your Guitar Journey

Learn the craft or commission a guitar

You can join me in the workshop for a one-to-one Guitar Making Course, or, if you are looking for an instrument of your own, talk to me about building a custom Spanish guitar for you.

GUITAR MAKING COURSE →

Milan Zelenka

Mulen Guitars

Milan Zelenka continues to build electric guitars in his workshop in Senica under the name Mulen Guitars.

MULEN GUITARS →