The Luthier
My name is Juuso Tornberg, and I am a graduate of the Guitar Making School at Ikaalinen College of Crafts and Design in Finland. My path to lutherie didn’t begin in a workshop—it started with a lifelong love of music and a fascination with how things are made.
I began my musical journey at the age of seven. Around the same time, I was already drawn to working with wood—fascinated by how raw materials could be shaped into something beautiful and lasting. These two passions grew side by side for years, until they finally converged when I built my first steel-string acoustic guitar in a community college course. The moment I strung it up and heard that first resonant note, I was hooked. Bringing an instrument to life from wood felt both natural and deeply rewarding—a perfect harmony between music and craftsmanship.
That experience ignited a deep curiosity and respect for the craft of guitar making. I wanted to understand every aspect—the materials, the design, the tone, the feel—so I made the decision to fully immerse myself in the art of lutherie. I enrolled at Ikaalinen College of Crafts and Design, Finland’s most respected school for guitar making.
During my studies, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a seven-month internship with Ari-Jukka Luomaranta at AJL-Guitars, a renowned builder of Gypsy jazz guitars. Working alongside Ari-Jukka taught me patience, precision, and the importance of listening—not only to the sound of the wood but to the subtle lessons hidden in every stage of the process. Although Gypsy jazz guitars were the foundation of my training, my true passion has always been the steel-string acoustic. After graduation, I set out to develop my own modern style—drawing inspiration from contemporary luthiers while striving to create something that felt distinctly my own.
Before becoming a luthier, I spent over 15 years as a graphic designer, a background that continues to shape my work today. Design thinking, attention to detail, and a sensitivity to visual balance all play a role in how I approach each instrument. I believe a guitar should not only sound exceptional but also embody harmony in form, function, and aesthetic.
Every guitar I build is an exploration of sound, feel, and beauty. I’m constantly refining my craft—seeking the perfect tone, the most responsive touch, and the most expressive design. Guitar making allows me to merge my lifelong passions for music and woodworking into something that can inspire others.
I invite you to join me on this ongoing journey—one where tradition meets innovation, and where together we can create your dream guitar.
Tornberg Guitars is a one-man workshop by design—an intentional choice that allows me to give each instrument the time, care, and attention it deserves. Every guitar that leaves my bench is built entirely by my own hands, from selecting the tonewoods to the final polish. This way, I can ensure the highest level of craftsmanship, responsiveness, and musicality in every instrument I create.
My approach to guitar making blends contemporary design with a deep respect for traditional acoustic sound. I strive to build guitars that not only look elegant but feel alive in the player’s hands—guitars that respond with warmth, clarity, and nuance.
Each instrument is a collaboration between wood, sound, and vision—a reflection of both the player’s voice and my dedication to the craft.
I invite you to explore the gallery to see and hear examples of my work, and to experience how a handcrafted Tornberg Guitar can bring your music to life.