Richten25_Werkstatt
Markus Krispel
About me - from Vienna to Berlin-Wedding
My journey into instrument-making did not begin at a workbench, but on stage. As a saxophonist and bassist, I spent years on the road – touring and recording albums. So I know not only from my craft, but from my own experience, just how multifaceted the significance of a musical instrument is: it is not merely an object, but a musician’s voice.
My apprenticeship – Vienna, Zuleger:
I completed my apprenticeship as an instrument maker at the renowned 'Zuleger & Co' company in Vienna. There, I learnt the craft from the basics – with patience, precision and respect for every single instrument. My mentor, Eleonora Rudolf, had a particularly formative influence on me; she not only taught me the technical aspects of the trade, but also instilled in me an appreciation for sound, mechanics and the subtle nuances of a woodwind instrument. That time in Vienna has shaped my understanding of quality and sustainability to this day. The former workshop is now a museum, lovingly maintained and run by Ms Rudolf:
https://www.zuleger-oboe-museum.com/
Music and craftsmanship – two sides of the same coin:
Even before I began my training, and right up to the present day, I have been performing as a saxophonist. I’ve been on tours, released music on CD and vinyl, and performed regularly on stage. These years as a musician have taught me just how sensitive an instrument is to even the slightest changes – and just how much trust a musician places in the hands of those who repair their instrument. I know the feeling when a key sticks just before a concert. And I know what it means when everything is working perfectly again.
Further Training – Berlin, Saxophone Service:
To round off my apprenticeship and prepare for my final examination, I undertook a work placement at Duchstein Saxophone Service, where I was taken on as a staff member after successfully passing my final apprenticeship examination.
I worked at Duchstein Saxophone Service in Berlin for five years. There, I specialised intensively in the repair, maintenance and restoration of saxophones – from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. These years were crucial: they sharpened my eye for detail, my hand for precise mechanics and my understanding of the specific requirements of professional saxophonists; I was also able to develop my own approach and methods to and within the craft.
https://www.saxophon-service.de/
My Own Path – 'Richten 25':
In 2023, I took the plunge into self-employment. What began as a small, private workshop found its permanent home in July 2024: my own workshop at Gerichtstraße 25, Berlin-Wedding. This is where I now work as an independent instrument maker – with the same high standards as in Vienna, the same attention to detail as at Duchstein, and the same passion as on stage. Here, in the premises facing the street, you’ll find the venue and stage Richten25, the clubhouse of Odamusik e.V., which we founded as a collective to promote experimental art forms on a voluntary basis:
What sets me apart:
I don’t work as an anonymous technician, but as a musician for musicians. Whether it’s advice, repairs, restoration or the sale of certified second-hand instruments – every instrument that leaves my workbench should not only work, but also inspire. I take my time, listen and explain. Because a well-adjusted instrument is the foundation for everything that follows.
Welcome to the workshop:
If you have an instrument that needs some attention – be it a clarinet, a saxophone, a flute, an oboe or a bassoon – then you’ve come to the right place. Drop by, give me a call or send me a message. I look forward to getting to know your instrument.
Herr Kirchberger an seiner Werkbank
Eleonore Rudolf