David Hole

David Hole is a guitar maker specialising in custom-built classical and acoustic guitars. He has been making guitars since 2016, when he trained with the master luthier, Chris Wynne, at his school (Thomas Lloyd) at Montsalvat in Eltham. Chris Wynne (now based in France) remains his mentor and good friend, and they still collaborate regularly.

David uses Australian tonewoods exclusively in his guitar builds, which, although slowly gaining popularity, are still relatively ignored by many guitar makers. Australian tonewoods that David uses include: King Billy and Bunya Pine for soundboards; Blackwood, Cooba, and Tiger Myrtle for backs/sides; Red Cedar, Blackwood, or Queensland Maple for the necks; Native Olive and Mulga for fretboards; and other attractive native woods for inlays/rosettes and bridges (Purpleheart, Jarrah).

In 2025, David and his partner Rachel collaborated with Taungurung artist Iluka Sax-Williams on a special all Huon pine guitar which Iluka pyrographed. This guitar, named "Wuwan" (flight), was then displayed as part of Iluka's world premier exhibit "Debana" (to fill up/pour in) as part of the Yirramboi festival in May 2025.

Having played classical guitar for many years, and recently started composing. David has a good ear for the best tonewoods to use. Every piece of wood is unique, and David enjoys the journey of uncovering each guitar’s potential, as every guitar has an individual voice and will suit a certain style of music. David is friends with the classical guitarist Dr Daniel Nistico, who has helped provide guidance and advice on guitar tone and playability.

Since the start of 2024, David and his partner Rachel have been running their long-wished-for guitar building school in Mansfield, and they look forward to showing you around their workshop and answering any questions you may have!