Arts Scene - The Art of Resonance: Reuben Forsland & Bernard Funston

by Jo Barnes | photos by Leah Gray –

Stepping into the workshop, the first thing that strikes your senses is the fragrant aroma of wood. Feeling the weight of rare woods from South America and the lightness of carbon fibre materials, you’re amazed. You glance up to see a wall of tools and wooden forms both common and rare.

But it’s the sense of sound that is most important in the workshop of Sidney guitar makers, Reuben Forsland and Bernard (Bernie) Funston.

“It’s all about creating an instrument that sounds beautiful,” shares Reuben, owner of Joi Guitars. “I like to bring wood to the maximum it can be.” Bernie, owner of Funston Guitars, adds: “We are creating something that is visually and sonically beautiful.”

These two guitar makers, more properly known as luthiers (from the French word lute), share the same workspace and make a variety of instruments. Bernie beautifully crafts steel string acoustic, classical and flamenco, and electric guitars, as well as mandolins. Reuben focuses on acoustic guitars and innovative building materials and design such as his proprietary ellipse bracing system.

With skill and imagination, they transform wood that not only produces a beautiful sound but is also a beautiful piece of art. Reuben’s “Emblems” and “The Raven” guitars are on display at the Robert Bateman Gallery, and Bernie has created instruments at the request of the government of Norway.

Inside their workshop is a wonderful assortment of wood that comes from many places. “The wood we use is sourced from all over the world such as European spruce, woods from Madagascar and Cambodia, ebony, rosewood, cherry wood, red cedar and local arbutus,” says Bernie.

Each wood is chosen for appearance, durability and sound quality. “Mahogany is strong and durable and has a warmer tone. Sitka spruce creates a bright sound,” says Bernie.

Reuben is also drawn to the history behind each wood which prompts him to regularly scout out unique finds around the globe.
“I like woods that create conversation,” he relates. “This ancient Sitka spruce is from a tree that was found in a mudslide in Alaska and was carbon dated at 2,850 years. I create with mahogany from the legendary tree in Belize that luthiers refer to as simply ‘The Tree.’ It’s very rare and exotic.”

Occasionally, his search leads to startling finds which grant him the opportunity to create and share something very unique. Reuben’s Hendrix “Black Gold” and “Legends” guitars are prime examples, both built from wood from the childhood home of legendary Jimi Hendrix. He delights in using unique materials, most recently working with hemp and carbon fibre. “I like creating conversations and important opportunities to talk about things,” he comments. “I built the world’s first hemp guitar. Hemp is fast growing and has amazing carbon sequestering potential.”

The guitar-making process involves many stages including cutting wood to a useable thickness, sanding, planing, shaping using heat, bracing, embellishing, installing frets, and final assembly. It’s challenging combining artistry with the science necessary to create these instruments. An example is the mathematical precision needed in the bracing that provides strength but also affects the vibrations across the soundboard. It all takes time, talent and experience. “Many don’t always understand or appreciate the scientific techniques of making a guitar,” relates Bernie. “It takes months and months to make one. It’s detailed work.”

The creative process begins with a specific idea. “Working with your client, you have a vision. This gives you direction to the woods and what sound the client would like,”says Bernie. A guitar enthusiast might be seeking a particular tone or a unique look to their guitar through decorative expression. “I like to personalize guitars with inlays of shell, stone and bone,” remarks Bernie. “My son is a paleontologist, and his guitar, called “The Evolution of Flight,” has an inlay of a dinosaur on the headstock and fretmarkers that depict species of dinosaurs with bird traits. Mammoth ivory was used for the nut and saddle that support the strings.”

Their guitars have received wide acclaim and found their way into the hands of gifted musicians. Reuben built a custom guitar for Grammy Award winning guitarist Slash, of Guns and Roses, and a steel string guitar for 2019 International finger style champion Matt Thomas. Bernie made two guitars for internationally-acclaimed guitarist and composer Terry Robb and two mandolins for the President Carter Legacy Collection, one of which was played by Nashville star Sierra Hull at the former President’s 96th birthday party.

They may have different approaches, techniques, and even clients, but both luthiers agree that making guitars has a lasting impact. “I like the fact that someone makes music with what you’ve built. I like to leave a legacy,” says Bernie. Reuben adds: “It’s all about stories and emotions, otherwise it’s just manufacturing.”

It’s at the intersection of art and science where these two talented craftsmen apply their artistic gifts so that others can create their own musical art.