The luthier community has lost a great man today

[jkostal]

Dear friends and members of the AGF community,

It is with a heavy heart that I take the time to notify each of you that Gustav Fredell, owner of Fredell Guitars, died Thursday evening in his hometown of Lidköping, Sweden after battling depression for many years.

Gustav studied guitarmaking at Musikinstrumentakademein in Stockholm, Sweden before traveling to the United States to take part in a 2 year apprenticeship with Ervin Somogyi. He was the junior apprentice while I was there, and was a welcome addition to the shop in so many ways. Those that knew him will remember him as having an incredible sense of humor, a warm smile, and a laugh that could light up a room. He was one of the smartest men I have ever met (card carrying member of Mensa and former record holder for solving the Rubik’s Cube), and a constant creator of new and interesting gadgets. He was meticulous in his approach to guitar making and fascinated by the science related to sound and how to make the guitar better.

Most of all, he was an incredible friend to many different people that loved him dearly, as well as a son, a brother, and a partner to some very special people. I have been in touch with Gustav’s family, and they have asked me to notify the lutherie community on their behalf. As information regarding services is provided, I will share that information with everyone. If anyone has any questions you can direct them to me at [email protected]. In the interim, please keep Gustav, his family, and his friends in your hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,

Jason Kostal

[Trevor M]

This is a terrible loss to the guitar making and playing community and to humanity.

My condolences to all who knew him and particularly to close friends and family.

[billgennaro]

Sad news. Judging by pictures of him online he appeared to be quite young. Thanks for the update.

[Hierophant]

That's really sad news. Cannot tell how this is shocking me, omg, winter in Sweden can be very dark and cold . I met him in Stockholm two years ago and was fortunate to spend some time at his workshop in Lidköping. My condolences go his family and friends.

[Larry Pattis]

I am so very sad to hear of this news.

Gustav was indeed a great guy and a great builder.

My condolences to the family, and that includes the greater family that Gustav was a part of due to his work with Ervin, Ervin's "family of apprentices", and the entire luthier community.

Understanding mental illness means, for me, that Gustav has found a way to end his difficulties, which were based in physiological/medical issues.

He will be missed by many...and not forgotten.

[Bruce Sexauer]

I met Gustav a few times, and a very sorry to hear there will be no more of that. Being smart enough to penetrate the "veil" has its down side. My condolences to those who knew him well.

[stuartb]

that was lovely tribute Jason,

thanks so much for bringing us all up to speed on this tragic event. It sounds like he made a wonderful contribution to those whose lives he touched.

all the best,

Stuart

[Huckleberry]

I'm very sorry to hear this news. I had not met Gustav, but was well acquainted with some of his guitars, which I regard as unique, bursting with character and absolutely at the top of the game.

It is sad that there will be no more of them... and my condolences to all who knew him.

David

[ewh2]

Crikey,

I'm beyond words.

My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.

[jt1]

Thank you so much for posting this, Jason.

I had the privilege of meeting Gustav but once. I was as impressed as much by Gustav the human being as I was by Gustav the guitar maker. And, he was a wonderful guitar maker. Here are my Fretboard Journal musings about Gustav's entry at the 2012 Montreal Guitar Festival:

"Gustav Fredell size 0. My favorite. Gustav spent four years studying the craft of furniture and guitar-making in his homeland of Sweden. A little over a year ago he began a 30 month apprenticeship with Ervin Somogyi. Given the quality of this instrument that he has completed while halfway through his studies, this young man has unlimited potential. This 0 sized guitar was the most responsive guitar I played. A beautiful, sensitive, little thing. Not for the blues, but perfect for some quiet, late-night fingerstyle on the deck out back, under a clear sky, with a glass of fine wine close at hand."

This is beyond sad.

[Michael Watts]

Devastating news. He was a gentle young man with a ready smile and a great talent. I'm glad to have had the chance to play his beautiful guitars and even more so to have spent time with him in Montreal and Healdsburg. He will be missed.

Here's one of his guitars in action. This one's for you Gustav.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by Michael Watts

Devastating news. He was a gentle young man with a ready smile and a great talent. I'm glad to have had the chance to play his beautiful guitars and even more so to have spent time with him in Montreal and Healdsburg. He will be missed.

Here's one of his guitars in action. This one's for you Gustav.

Thank you, Michael.

A rough week...


Here's another:

[ukejon]

Terribly sad news....thanks for letting us know.

[J-F C]

Met him in Montréal 2012. I was in touch via email a couple weeks before the show and we've exchanged infos on the guitar he was building at the time.

He was passionate about this new guitar, very friendly and easy going.

It's very sad. Thank you for taking the time to inform us.

JF

[Richard Mott]

Jason, this is heartbreaking news. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. I met Gustav only in passing at Montreal 2012 but remember his wonderful guitar and thinking as I was playing it: What a talented young man and I can't wait to see what he'll build next. Such an untimely loss and reminder of how fleeting and delicate life can be. --Richard