Welcome to Lakewood Guitars
We are a guitar-making company with heart – we build our acoustic guitars under the name Lakewood right here in Germany.
In our workshop in Buseck, near Gießen in Hesse, high-quality steel-string acoustic guitars are created with great passion and craftsmanship, inspiring musicians all over the world.
Here, we would like to give you an insight into the history and philosophy of Lakewood Guitars. Learn how it all began in 1986, what makes our guitars special, and who the people are behind our company.
The Lakewood Story
It all began in the spring of 1986.
Martin Seeliger had completed his training as a guitar maker a few years earlier and, full of curiosity and drive, set out to find his place as an independent luthier. At that time, Germany in the 1980s was still very much the land of the classical guitar, while the sound of the steel-string acoustic from overseas was already resonating powerfully across Europe. For Martin, the idea was both exciting and challenging: to create an acoustic guitar built right here in Germany – one that would put the country firmly on the world map of acoustic guitar making.
While searching for a strong and meaningful name, his eyes one day fell on a small place on the map: Lakewood, by Lake Erie. Lakewood – he liked the way it sounded. It spoke of freedom and adventure, of wood, nature and wide open spaces. And that was the moment when a German acoustic guitar was given an American name. Learn more ...
Many years and many guitars later, the name Lakewood has earned its place in the history of the instrument. Since then, we have been building our guitars under this name in a small town just outside Gießen, not far from Frankfurt am Main. Martin’s curiosity and creative spirit remain alive, and when we now speak in the “we” form, it reflects the circle of like-minded companions who have gathered around him over the years. Each has contributed their own energy and ideas to shape Lakewood into what it is today: more than a name, more than just a guitar.
It has become an inner attitude and conviction, shared by a dedicated team of people who master the art of building such a complex instrument as the acoustic guitar with precision and care. With our combined knowledge of professional guitar making and the right balance of craftsmanship and modern technology, we create instruments that meet the highest standards of sound, quality and aesthetics. Because “Made in Germany” is not a guarantee of excellence on its own – it must be backed by experience, dedication and expertise, and prove itself to be superior in every respect.
After more than 34 years in the renowned former cigar factory in Gießen-Rödgen, Lakewood moved in February 2022 to a newly renovated workshop in the industrial area of Alten-Buseck. The building, acquired three years earlier, was transformed with much of our own effort into a spacious guitar workshop with an adjoining tonewood storage facility. There have also been some personal changes: Markus Hoppe, a partner in the company for over a decade, became co-managing director alongside Martin Seeliger. Martin’s sons, Theodor and Johannes, who have both been part of the company for several years, have also taken on more responsibility in materials management and marketing.
Only one thing has not changed: Martin himself remains the heart of the company – its innovator and driving force.
In 2026, Lakewood will celebrate its 40th anniversary.
7 reasons to buy a Lakewood
Made in Germany
Since 1986, our guitars have been crafted just outside Gießen, Germany – with passion and true craftsmanship.
Our team of experienced luthiers ensures the highest precision, making every guitar a genuine masterpiece.
Use of Solid Woods
At Lakewood, we use only carefully selected solid tonewoods.
Our wood storage, filled with exclusive and hand-selected materials, guarantees you a wide potential for tonal variety.
Unique Design and Sound
The special geometry of our guitars ensures a rich, transparent sound with excellent projection.
Every detail is designed to give you an outstanding sound experience.
Unparalleled Feel and Fragrance
The thinly lacquered surfaces of our guitars provide a truly sensual experience.
The natural scent of the wood gives every Lakewood the feel of precious materials, while the meticulous craftsmanship conveys the assurance of artisanal perfection.
High-Quality Pickup Systems
For all our electro-acoustic guitars, we use pickup systems from the U.S. company L.R. Baggs. These provide a highly natural and authentic acoustic sound reproduction.
For most series models, we install the L.R. Baggs Anthem system. Overall, the concept follows the principle of "less is more."
The Lakewood Customshop
The Lakewood Customshop is truly unique in the world of acoustic guitars.
Design your very own dream instrument independently and individually with the Lakewood Guitar Designer. You can choose from a wide range of body shapes, tonewoods, ergonomic options, and design features. At the same time, a photorealistic 3D model with pricing is displayed as a preview.
Only a few simple steps separate the design from your order.
Excellent Service
Every guitar remains, in a way, our guitar even after purchase. Even though it belongs to you, we continue to feel responsible for it.
Should a problem ever arise, we will treat your guitar as the most important instrument in the world and find a good and prompt solution.
The Lakewood Team
We are proud of our team – every single person is truly special!
Management
Marketing, Ressource Management, Repairs and Workshop Management
Office and More
Workshop Team
Philosophy & ecological Aspects
Ecology & Guitar Making – does that fit together? For many, ecology simply means environmental protection. But the term means more: originally it stood for the "study of the household" – and this is exactly how we at Lakewood understand our daily actions. We think holistically: from our employees to production, suppliers and business partners – nationally and internationally. We build guitars, we sell, transport, repair, and communicate about them. We do all of this as efficiently and meaningfully interconnected as possible.
People at the center Our employees are the heart of Lakewood. Their knowledge, experience, and dedication make every single guitar special. We create a respectful working environment, support individual life paths, and focus on long-term relationships. Everyone on the team lives in the region and is deeply rooted in their social environment.
Producing responsibly Guitar making at our level requires craftsmanship, precision, technology – and energy. Although electricity and gas cannot yet be completely replaced, we rely on conscious and economical use. We know our energy balance precisely and continuously work to reduce consumption per guitar. Our own photovoltaic system already supplies around 30% of our electricity – the rest comes 100% from renewable sources.
Wood with origin Wood is the soul of every Lakewood guitar. That is why, together with our tonewood suppliers, we take responsibility for sustainable use of this valuable resource. We use exclusively certified woods from legal, controlled, and sustainably managed forestry.
Rethinking naturalness Our view of aesthetics is also changing: in the future, it will be completely normal to use woods that may not appear flawless at first glance – but that convince with their sound. What we still consider a "flaw" today, we will soon recognize as natural beauty and an expression of true individuality.
European woods More and more guitarists are asking themselves: does it really have to be wood from overseas? Our answer: no. In the Lakewood Customshop we have long been offering alternative woods such as maple, cherry, or walnut for back and sides. For over 10 years, it has been possible with us to design and build a guitar made entirely from local, i.e. European woods – from the fingerboard and tuner buttons to the internal parts. In the 3D Guitar Designer, you can display these options specifically with one click on the "Local Woods" mode.
Sustainability is part of our everyday life For us, ecology is not a marketing label but lived practice. By constantly questioning and improving our processes, not only does every guitar become a little better – but our future also becomes a little more sustainable.
Start Guitar Designer with European WoodsWorkshop Tour at Lakewood
Once a month – always on the second-to-last Friday – we open our doors to visitors. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. you can drop by. The guided tour starts at 10:30 a.m. and lasts about 2 hours.Experience firsthand how our guitars are built, get to know the tonewoods, and ask your questions directly on site. You can try out guitars, purchase guitars and accessories, or simply get advice on the Customshop.
Participation is free of charge, places are limited to 18 people.
Next available date with open spots: 11/21/25 Sign up now