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Can we call ourselves luthiers?

That is my question for discussion. I would like to call myself a luthier, but I hesitate. I have built 21 instruments. They all work. I usually say I am an amateur luthier.

I have built 3 string guitars, 4 string guitars and 11 ukes. Do my own fretting, have built 5 boxes, albeit rectangular

Like most of us, I am self-taught, with a lot of help from you guys in the Nation. I've made lots of jigs to compensate for lack of power tools.

I have been at this for 1 1/2 years and have sold about 8 instruments. I am semiretired.

What do you think?.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Binns on June 16, 2015 at 2:31pm

I'm on the fence here too. Whether or not our builds are highy refined necks in intricate handmade boxes or crude sticks in a cookie tin, it does take a certain amount of knowledge and skill to make one that functions.
I think the most amazing aspect of this craft is that I'm creating a device capable of creating beautiful music.
I wouldn't get hung up on this label. What we're making is bigger than our supposed credentials.

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Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on June 16, 2015 at 3:05pm

Some of the guys here that build factory style guitars, Ukes, Weissenborns. But me I glue or bolt a stick to a box string it and play.

I cannot build this.

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Permalink Reply by David Clewell on June 19, 2015 at 6:36am

When was the last time you tried to build this...?

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Permalink Reply by BP - RabidSalad - on June 18, 2015 at 4:32am

I make saw dust in various textures and size and the odd thing is that a stick inna box with strings appears.

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Permalink Reply by David Clewell on June 18, 2015 at 10:57am

Dammed right you are a Luthier. You are one who makes stringed musical instruments, therefore a Luthier. I retired a few years ago and became an amateur luthier as a hobby. I love it and when someone asks what I do to keep busy I tell them I am an amateur luthier. I then spend the next 20 minutes explaining to them what a luthier is and does. Great conversation starter.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Lynas on June 18, 2015 at 11:39am

We're just goofier luthiers. I build box instruments because I haven't tried bending wood yet.

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Permalink Reply by Clock The Wolf on June 18, 2015 at 11:41am

Goofiers.

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Permalink Reply by BP - RabidSalad - on June 18, 2015 at 2:00pm

I've been playing around with this lately. Tried soaking, steaming and swearing, none of which worked very well. I bought a heat blanket from Keenovo and can bend wood like a whirl'n dervish.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-X32-480W-120V-Mandolin-Side-Bending-Silic...

Made some small bodied 4 string guitars. One of which was for a nephew that I'd hand cut a lizard sound hole into it. You can see it in the sound hole contest. They are fun to make and a challenge to be sure. Just thought you might like to try it some day...

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Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on June 18, 2015 at 12:59pm

Glenn,

Thanks for your very encouraging and kind words. That made my day.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Lynas on June 18, 2015 at 2:11pm

Thanks for the heat blanket link. Very interesting....

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Permalink Reply by Blues Frog on June 18, 2015 at 10:58pm

I'm on my third build, and I have also put a new back back on a blown out martin acoustic guitar. I've refiished a bass and replaced the electronics.

These are all experimental and I'm learning as I go.

Do I consider myself a luthier? No, but by definition I could. Perhaps if I did it for a living, I would say I am, but for now my response would be, " I am not a luthier, but I play one on tv"

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Permalink Reply by Rob Tabish on June 19, 2015 at 6:05am

if you feel you need to put a name on what you like to do, Luthier is technically the name of WHAT you are doing. i have tools and like to work on old cars....does that make me a "Mechanic"? when people i know have car problems, i am usually one of the first people they go to, mostly because my advice for them is free. i rarely make money being a "Mechanic".

my profession is as a Computer Tech. that is how i make money, and i have a piece of paper proclaiming that i spent time and money gaining the education needed to be a computer tech....but oddly enough, a lot of the same people i know come to me for my help with their computers for the same great deal of FREE....so i guess that makes me something else, entirely.

i know a guy who is a professional Luthier. that is how he earns his living. he even has a store front he works out of, and a list of clientele that reads like a who's who of musicians, some quite famous . to stand in his workshop and look at all the stringed instrument stuff he has is awe-inspiring, and a bit intimidating. i go to him for advice all the time...and he gives it to me for FREE.....i still consider him a professional luthier.