The Prairie Oasis of Lutherie

Ordering a Custom Built Instrument

Your new acoustic instrument begins right here.

David has collected select woods since 1980. These are only for sale as finished instruments built by David or Seth Freeman.

Commissioning a build from David begins with a dialogue between luthier and player about the sound, playability, and aesthetic of the instrument. Establishing an understanding of what the player is trying to achieve, David will use his technical knowledge and skill to acheive those goals. Guitars are the main instrument, David's knowledge of acoustics includes building other instruments such as mandolin, bouzouki,ukulele, and harp. If you are looking for something in particular, email us and ask, We will build Your dream instrument.

The Sound Qualities video to the right is a starting point to help you define the sound you are looking for in your instrument. Consider which sound qualities are most important to your taste and play style.

You can contact us by emailing david@timelessinstruments.com or phoning 1-888-TUG-ASKE (884-2753)

What you will find here is a gallery of woods that have been reserved specifically for commissions and examples of instruments that have been built for other customers to help inspire you as to what can be achieved. Happy dreaming!

Body Size and Shape Choosing a Body Shape and size is important, for the comfort of the player, and to the sound desired. Larger Guitars develop rumbly bass response and blending of notes. Smaller body designs will create a quicker attack, with greater articulation and clarity. Below is a description of the models we build and why you would choose each one.
GM-50 Our largest body size, across the lower bout for booming tones. Coupled with the balance of the Soundwedge design, this guitar can be warm and sweet and still bring great definition to individual notes	Dreadnought A standard Dreadnought shape is available for a more traditional look. Warm tones and bass response come from this design.	*GM-03* A design by David Freeman to keep the lower bout volume, with increased projection,. This model is very versatile for going between fingerstyle and strumming..
*Monarch* A more standard OOO design with pleasing curves. Quick response and good clarity	*DVK* A compact shape that brings a fast attack and a bright crisp sound. The DVK is also our shape for resonators.	*Parlour* Our smallest design (13.75" across the lower bout.) This model prove that little guitars can get big volume. Fast attack and articulate notes, this guitar can keep up with the fastest fingers
	*"10" Classical* The 10 is a blend of three designs David developed for smooth curves. A small body Classical, it is also used as a flamenco body.
Soundboards There is a variety of soundboards in this personal collection, aged and ready for building. Choosing the species affects the tone and response, as well as aesthetics
European Spruce This soundboard comes from Bachmann Tonewoods in North Italy. Purchased in 2012 Very tight uniform grain.	European Spruce Purchased in 1998.slight variance in annular ring width.	European Spruce purchased in 1998, Slight variance in annular ring width.
Lutz purchased 2001	Lutz purchased 2001	Red Spruce purchased 1990
Redwood curly flame, acquired 1994	Spanish Pine acquired1993 limited sets	Sitka Spruce from mid 90s one of many some sitka goes back to 1974
Sitka Spruce Sister top to 521 uniform grain
*Tonewood* Any tonewood that we sell can be used, but we also have these sets reserved just for custom builds. This wood is of select quality and much of it has been seasoned for well over 10 years in our posession as well
African Blackwood purchased 2003	European Maple acquired 2003 in estate sale aging from late 1990s	Brazilian Rosewood acquired 2003 estate sale aged unknown
Mahogany even ribboned mahogany not light, density runs in the 37cuft range strong color one of many acquired 2007	East Indian Rosewood 6''sides could be used for acoustic bass one of many dark brown ribboning acqiured as far back as 1996	Figured Mahogany strong wide flame any instrument made with these sets has been exceptional sounding limited stock acquierd 2010.
Flamed Maple one of many uniform curl acquired 2003	Hawaiian Koa limited sets from early 2001 to 2006	Padauk this set is aged from 87 dense, resonant dark red.
Purple Heart cut in 1986	South American Mahogany acquired in early 1980s was cut in mid 70s	Spanish Cedar Cut prior to 1979 some flame spanish cedar acquired 2001

Inlay
Custom inlay is available, David's pallette is extensive with material going back to the early 1980s. He works in shell, wood, sterling silver, gold, aluminium, brass, copper, jade , agate, and precious stones.