Daisy Tempest

Luthier

©Daisy Tempest

A blend of materials for unique style

Daisy handcrafts unique guitars with rare woods
It takes her four months to complete each piece
She offers only one model, but every piece is made of different materials and finishes

If Daisy Tempest had been passionate about music alone, she would have been a musician. As it stands, she has had a deep love for handmade crafts since childhood. This is why she became a luthier and specialised in guitar making." Only three guitars come out of my workshop every year, one every four months," explains Daisy. Each piece is unique, meticulously handcrafted by her from start to finish, and more often than not, personally hand-delivered to the customer. "My clients commission a Tempest guitar not because they simply want an instrument to play on," she explains. "They come to me because they want to be led in the process as a patron would approach an artistic project."

Interview

©Daisy Tempest

©Daisy Tempest

How did you become a luthier?: I decided to be a luthier when I was almost 21. I embarked on two apprenticeships, but first, I did a short furniture making course so as to learn how to work with timber. The person I consider my master is Rosie Heydenrych. Working alongside with her and her husband, I learned so many things about true craftsmanship!
How do you choose high-quality materials?: I use rare timbers for truly unique instruments to be treasured as heirlooms. That is why I spend time researching on trees, events and their implications for the piece I am working on. Technically, I have been trained to make many timbers sound good when paired correctly with elements such as bracing, which allows me more creative freedom.
Could you explain why you offer only one model of guitar, called The Model?: The Model is what I liked when I put pen to paper. Nice and clean, simple. I do not want to confuse my clients with too many options. Thanks to a fortunate accident, in fact I have three models of the same guitar that differ slightly in size.
What do you love the most about your profession?: The creative freedom my clients afford me with their projects. This was difficult at the beginning, but holding fast a business model in the face of being told not to do so is what I am most proud of. I love my clients, too. They are successful, intelligent, kind and talented. They are all special for different reasons, including for their belief in me as their luthier.

Daisy Tempest is a rising star she began her career in 2017