David Teske has a long history with woodworking. He started playing guitar at 8 years old on a Bentley acoustic and a few years later he began making furniture with his father. Together they made beautiful wood tables, chairs, cabinets, and more. At 18, David became curious about the construction of instruments, which lead to him repairing his own instruments and eventually making his own instruments.
Over the years he's crafted banjos, ukuleles, violins, and countless guitars. For a time he also designed and built custom commercial furnishings. In 2003, David started his career with Heritage Guitars, a boutique guitar company housed in the original Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, MI and founded by former Gibson employees after the company relocated to Nashville in 1984.
After starting out in body assembly, he moved through various areas of the factory and was able to gain knowledge of the entire process by working with well-seasoned craftsmen, many of which had a hand in crafting some of the most valuable guitars ever made.
Over the years he's crafted banjos, ukuleles, violins, and countless guitars. For a time he also designed and built custom commercial furnishings. In 2003, David started his career with Heritage Guitars, a boutique guitar company housed in the original Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, MI and founded by former Gibson employees after the company relocated to Nashville in 1984.
After starting out in body assembly, he moved through various areas of the factory and was able to gain knowledge of the entire process by working with well-seasoned craftsmen, many of which had a hand in crafting some of the most valuable guitars ever made.
Reviews (8)
William Ferguson
Oct 04, 2021
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I brought David a guitar where another shop had botched a waterslide decal installation. the other shop had the guitar for almost 4 months, and completely trashed the headstock! David responded promptly to my request for a quote, and restored/ repaired the headstock in less than 2 weeks! the guitar looks brand new & I couldn't be happier with the quality of the work!
Jon Arens
Aug 02, 2021
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David did some serious voodoo to my Gibson SG. it was once a very normal guitar with a lot of wear through its years, but now its an entirely different animal! The full refurbished project was done timely and immaculately!! I highly recommend him to anybody looking to do any cosmetic work on any of their guitars!!
Jon Breadman
May 24, 2021
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David transformed an ordinary (used with some flaws), black Rickenbacker bass into a truly unique showpiece. I choose a difficult turquoise color and he made sure it was perfect. David communicated throughout the process and afterwards.The paint meeting the fretboard and everything about the job is flawless. He also is skilled with removing all hardware, set-up and assembly. David is also a genuinely nice person to work with. I can’t imagine finding anyone better to repaint (or refinish) a guitar.
Taylor Hall
Apr 14, 2021
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David responded to my emails very promptly and took on a big project for me. My red 1991 USA Strat Plus was kind of rode hard before I got her and David did an awesome job with a full Refret AND refinished her in Graffiti Yellow. The refinish was absolutely flawless and the frets on this 30 year old workhorse are perfect. The price I paid was worth every penny, a truly great deal for such a flawless job on both tasks. I’ll trust this guy with any guitar job from here on out, Thanks David, big kudos I’ll see you again soon!
Vincent Margol
Nov 25, 2019
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A true pleasure to work with. Superbe craftsmanship at a reasonable price. Dave built me a Tele-style that I would confidently say rivals any guitar from fender custom shop builds. If you want a true custom that doesn't just have different colored screws, or a '23' in the fingerboard, or some such nonsense, call on Dave.
Dave's repair work has been equally as spot on , especially his finish work. You will be satisfied in every aspect. Next up, a surf green hardtail. Thanks for everything, Dave!
Dave's repair work has been equally as spot on , especially his finish work. You will be satisfied in every aspect. Next up, a surf green hardtail. Thanks for everything, Dave!
Brian T. McCosky
Apr 12, 2019
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Frank McGlynn
Jan 08, 2019
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Sara Jean
Jan 08, 2019
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Beautiful, custom craftsmanship! David has been building guitars since his early 20's and has created thousands of gorgeous acoustic and electric guitars as well as banjos, ukuleles, violins, and other stringed instruments. He lives and breathes guitars! He can fix anything and especially loves refinishing instruments. David is also a skilled musician who has played with numerous bands at countless venues. He's a talented treasure in the music industry and loves helping people make their visions come to life!
