Dave and teacher Osman Tilev with “Susana” 1989
David Dolak apprenticed in the shop of Osman Tilev in Calumet City, Illinois in 1988-89. In 1990 he set up his own shop in Hammond, IN and then Downers Grove, IL (1991-2017). As of 2018 he now has a permanent shop in Hammond. He has built over 50 acoustic instruments including classical and steel string guitars, ukuleles, dulcimers, and various custom string creations, including most recently, a Hurdy Gurdy.
Since 2013 he has taught the art and science of guitar construction and repair at the JobLink learning centers in East Chicago and Burns Harbor, IN.
Display of instruments at the Guild of American Luthiers, 2014 National Convention, Tacoma, WA
Booth at 22nd National Convention of the Guild of American Luthiers, Tacoma, WA, July 2017
2013 Acoustic Guitars (l-r): Classical Guitar (European Spruce, Bz. Roseswood; OO-17 (all mahogany); OM-28 (Eur. Spruce, Ind. Rwsd.)
Dolak OM guitars, 1990; Spruce/mahogany (left); spruce/Indian Rosewood (rt.)
Dolak OM guitars, 1990; Mahogany (left); Indian Rosewood (rt.)
Parlor Guitar “Juniper” 2008
Travel guitar prototype, 2008
Classical guitars, “Susana,” 1989 (left); “Oksana,” 2005 fretless (right)
Dolak/Tilev custom 12-string guitar (Dolak inlay) 2011
Fingerboard and Peghead inlay, Custom 12 string, (brass, abalone, pearl on ebony) 2011
Dulcimer tops 2005: cedar (left); spruce
Dulcimer backs, 2005: walnut (left), cherry
Hurdy Gurdy, 2015 (Spanish cedar top, oak b&s, walnut, cherry, maple, French polish finish.
Hurdy Gurdy Top 2015
Hurdy Gurdy back 2015 White Oak
Custom Dulcimer Project 2016: “Lucky’s Apple Tree. Top of telephone pole cedar with wood-burned images of horse and apples.
Custom Dulcimer Project 2016. Back of local apple tree wood.
Soprana ukes, 2012, tops: mahogany (l), koa (r)
Soprano ukes, 2012; backs; mahogany (l), and koa (r)
Concert Ukuleles 2012; top poplar wood.
Concert Ukuleles, 2012: backs, poplar wood.
12 String Baritone Leadbelly Guitar