The Prairie Oasis of Lutherie

Instruments by David Freeman

Below you will find a gallery of many of the instruments that David has built over the years. When you are finished exploring them, follow these links to see some of the design series and special projects that David has created over the years.

Sound Wedge for Chuck T.

This was the first sound wedge Commission after I wrote an article in American Lutherie about this Model / Concept It is a crossover GM-03 to Nylon strings. In Cocabola and englemann This was built 2018. He recently wrote to say
"David,

I hope alls well with you.

By way of re-introduction, you made a Cocobolo sound wedge nylon string crossover for me a while ago. We met in Montreal for me to get the guitar.

When I play the guitar, I get a close up view of the binding and purfling around the florentine cutaway and I’m always amazed by the way all those teeny tiny mitres come together. Amazing workmanship!

For some reason, I felt compelled to share!!

All the Best,

Chuck Thompson"
So Appreciation goes a long way . Thank YOu Chuck !

4 string Bass Late 1990s

Tom contacted Me summer of 2025. He bought this bass in a second hand shop and managed to track down the builder. I sold it at Winnpeg Folk fest. Not even sure who to. The inlay is of Big Dave Mclain playing harp , A picture I took at Main Stage WPG FF. when I could get a back stage pass.
Tom Wrote this on the Timeless School fb page. ;

"Hey there!
I found found that you guys are the builder of my beloved acoustic bass. I used a picture of the unique headstock inlay on google image search and found you!
I’ve been the owner of for almost 15 years and bought it from a collector in Halifax. I would love to know more about this amazing instrument."

So we had a conversation !
I made a 5 string Multiscale after this and have not made an Acoustic bass since.

Parlour guitar and Ukulele magnolia set

Originally I built this Magnolia Ukulele for myself, How ever this customer talked me into selling to him. The sides had a knot Hole which I had left. He liked that idea. about a year later he wanted a nylon parlour cross over to match the ukulele. So we designed this small guitar. Built with a carpel like syndrome in his hands Both are Great instruments , He recently wrote this to me, about playing the ukulele;

" Most of these jams have 15 to 20 instruments playing together. You can be sure of one thing:

your ukulele stands above anything else I’ve ever played.

It’s powerful, alive, and incredibly responsive. If I want to, I can cut through every other instrument in the room — violin, guitar, mandolin, accordion — all of them. The deep body is fantastic for rhythm and compás, and the projection is unbelievable for a ukulele.

I’ll never part with it. The more I play it, the more life it gains, and the better it sounds. It has become an exceptional instrument, truly one of a kind."

and Now he is working on the parlour htough it is more difficult ! to get his hands around .

Custom Crossover GM-03

This is a CROSS-OVER GM-03 for Classic S Strings. When I design, I begin by determining the strings to be used, as well as the player's style. The Classic S strings have a fine woven core wrapped in nylon. The tension is similar to nylon strings.

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Irish Bouzuki - Cherry

Black Cherry Back & sides
Sitka Spruce top .
23.5" Scale .

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"10" Model Classical

Ancient Kauri Dreadnought

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Celtic Key - DVK Model

The rosette key pattern in side grain is the source of this guitar's name.

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Collaboration Guitar

A rare collaboration with David Freeman and Paddy Burgin

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Cucumber Magnolia Monarch

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David Essig Model Resonator

Rope binding in holly and rosewood. on a Cucumber Magnolia back & sides. This DVK body shape was first designed for a 9 year old and an already shaped Rosewood back from Frank Gay's stock. I succesfully built afew guitars with it, it is in the parlour catagory as it is only 18" long. Then one day i discovered a resonator cone would fit perfectly into it and allow a 14th fret join even with a cutaway. Excellent ! So I built this model for David Essig. Rope binding just looks good on a resonator !

Douglas Fir 12 String

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DVK Model

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Engleman Classical

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GM03-12 - Mae Moore Model

Sitka Spruce top, American Black Walnut B&S, Flame maple neck, Nut 1 13/16", Chechin fingerboard 25.5" scale 1 13/16" nut, American Black Walnut pyramid bridge. Vintage flame maple binding. Lacquer finish.

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Koa Classical w/ 3 piece back

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Pau Amarillo

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Red Cedar Classical

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Tap Plate Flamenco/Jazz

Inspired by the firefly, this guitar got broken enroute to New Zealand. The removable tap plates are for drumming rhythm. The top is Englemann Spruce, the back & sides are Spanish Cedar, as is the neck. The tap plates are sitka spruce with rosewood risers. These make up 1/3 the weight of the instrument. The head reveals the signature Leaning Guitar design with gold leaf trim

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The Fool #801290

Part of the Offset Soundhole Series

Built for personal friend, on the journey of discovering life and all it has to offer!
Music is expression, playing moves emotions!

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Tui Series Ukulele #1

Owned and played by recording Artist Jody Weger

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Lutherie Training

Course Descriptions

Course Application

Buzz Feiten Level 2 Training

Handmade Instruments

Classical Guitars For Sale

Ordering a Custom Built Instrument

Lutherie Supplies

Tasmanian Tonewoods

Ancient Kauri, Whitbait on Flame

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Lutherie Articles by David Freeman

Art by David Freeman

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