Interview with David Sundberg

Senast ändrad

Master luthier David Sundberg started his business in 2003 under the name of Sundberg Guitars. This was right after graduating with a journeyman's letter from a three-year guitar making program in Stockholm. David is one out of two students who have ever been awarded the Large Silver Medal by the Swedish Craft Council for excellent craftsmanship in guitar making.

David Sundberg with guitar.

Throughout the years David has supplied many talented guitarists with top-of-the-line handmade guitars. Today he is one of Sweden's most well-known luthiers. His shop is located in Åkers styckebruk. David's work is excellent and his experience with tonewoods and construction gives the customer great opportunities to finally get what they have been looking for. David has been fortunate to build guitars for artists like Ryan Adams, Keith Richards, Marc Olson, Ulf Wakenius, Ane Brun, Lars Winnerbäck, Anna Ternheim, and many more. His commitment and love for the craft ensure he would never compromise the high standard on his guitars. 

How did you become interested in lutherie?

– The love for guitar-based music was of course something that aroused my interest in the instrument as such. Over the years, I had also worked a lot in wood, inspired by my father and my grandfather, who were both very good at creating with wood. The love for guitar building probably crept in during the first weeks of training. Great curiosity and will relatively quickly turned into love and obsession.

How have you experienced changes in the business climate for luthiers over time?
– I am not so familiar with the culture/climate itself. I consciously stay away from impressions and trends.

– With that said, I must also reveal that I of course know what is happening. Much impresses me as a craftsman. Incredible stuff is done. However, I'm a little afraid that all these cool elements in the job take focus away from really learning to understand how and why. I think that how and why is more important than being innovative in the first step.

What qualities would you say are good to have as a guitar builder?
– You must have passion. The passion alone will take you far and on the way, you will pick up the other ingredients you need to get there.

If you were to choose two work steps from the entire construction process, which steps do you think are the most fun?
– Cutting the braces is a step that never gets boring. So that's just a favorite. If the chisel is sharp, that is.

– I think the answer to this question can vary a lot from instrument to instrument. All elements can be fantastic in themselves. Elements that are usually fantastic can also be demanding if the mood is wrong… But as my second answer to the question, I must probably mention the interaction with the person who ordered the instrument. All the steps, from the initial phase to the handover of the instrument, can be magical if we have a good connection.

Visit David's website