Nyberg Instruments

Overview

Nyberg Instruments is a small-scale maker of handmade stringed instruments, including octave mandolins, citterns, and related folk instruments. It operates as a commission-based workshop led by luthier Lawrence Nyberg, targeting niche markets in acoustic music. The brand is notable for custom-built instruments using premium woods like Honduran rosewood.

History

Nyberg Instruments was founded in 1993 in Canada by Lawrence Nyberg. It has operated continuously as a one-person workshop on Hornby Island, British Columbia, focusing on bespoke stringed instruments. Key output includes custom octave mandolins and citterns demonstrated on platforms like YouTube.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Octave Mandolins	Custom small-scale folk instruments	$2,000 - $5,000
Citterns	Short-scale acoustic plucked strings	$2,500 - $6,000
Mandocellos	Deep-toned extended-range mandolins	$3,000 - $7,000

Manufacturing

Instruments are handmade in a workshop on Hornby Island, British Columbia, Canada, by Lawrence Nyberg. Production is fully in-house and commission-based, using materials like Honduran rosewood and cedar.

Notable Products

Honduran Rosewood Octave Mandolin - Small-ish octave mandolin with rosewood body and cedar top for balanced tone.
Short Scale Cittern - Compact cittern designed for fingerstyle and accompaniment playing.
Custom Mandocello - Extended-range instrument similar to USA-made models but fully handmade.

Reputation

Nyberg Instruments is regarded by acoustic enthusiasts as a source of high-quality, custom folk instruments with strong tonal qualities from premium woods. Professionals value the personal service and commission flexibility. Limited production scale means availability is low, potentially lengthening wait times.