A good ear, knowledge of materials, and the expert touch

As a luthier, Chantal combines her passions for music and craftsmanship. She describes the profession as varied, requiring curiosity, craftsmanship, and a good ear.

“Even now, I’m still in awe at the properties of wood, and the fact that a single type of wood can be an infinite sound library depending on how it is processed, and that it can be thinly planed and still retain its strength. I chose the double bass as my specialty because it has so many components that can be adjusted to change the sound. There’s not a single instruction book you can consult. I like that,” says Chantal.

An instrument should be an extension of the person playing it, and so the relationship between the instrument maker and the musician is central to this process.  Musicians can describe the sound or feeling they want to achieve, but they lack the tools and knowledge to make this vision a reality, which is where Chantal comes in.

“Much of my job is a sort of matching process, where I adapt the instrument to the customer’s physique and playing style. Musicians need support here because they cannot play and be the audience at the same time. They can easily feel the difference in an instrument, and I help them hear it,” says Chantal.

Chantal creates instruments in different price ranges, setting them up to the best playability and sound properties. Although she says that the craftsmanship and quality vary between cheaper and more expensive options, no matter what instrument she is working on, good tools and accessories are always important. For the last 15 years she’s worked on a Sjöbergs carpenter’s bench, and pretty much lives next door to the factory where they’re made.

“I like where I am right now, both in life and in my creation. I’m proud to know that my instruments are used on stages all over the world. In a way, I have the opportunity to be part of a new journey within the realm of classical music through every new, repaired, or restored instrument,” Chantal concludes.