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 Mark Lillo on June 12, 2015 at 5:18am


luthier
noun  lu·thi·er \ˈlü-tē-ər, -thē-ər\
Definition of LUTHIER

: one who makes stringed musical instruments (as violins or guitars)

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on June 12, 2015 at 5:23am

OK.  I like that.

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on June 12, 2015 at 5:39am

I have asked that very same question myself. The context the word is often used in seems to indicate an elevated level of expertise. What exactly that level is remains undetermined.

Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on June 12, 2015 at 5:54am

just  tell  them  you're  not  licensed  ,...  but  certifiable   ;-)

Permalink Reply by Skeesix on June 12, 2015 at 6:11am

There's no licensing or required schooling or anything to become a luthier, so technically anybody can call themselves a luthier.

However, I think people will assume that you have expertise with "real" guitars.

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on June 12, 2015 at 6:25am

Yea, I am sure the guitar snobs will make their point that CBGs are "not real instruments"...

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on June 12, 2015 at 6:30am

Yes, Dan.  Real guitars are made in  far east factories by slave labor.  Ours are hand built in the Western countries by hobbyists or artisans.  Which are real?   : )  .

 

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on June 12, 2015 at 7:19am

LOL...good point!

Permalink Reply by Marcus Darwell on June 18, 2015 at 4:03am

YA MON!!!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Bob Harrison on June 17, 2015 at 11:59pm

I totally agree, anybody can call themselves a luthier. So, it appears we are in this age self identification. 

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on June 12, 2015 at 6:54am

I call myself a guitar maker...I've made hundreds of guitars, but I've never made a luth.

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on June 12, 2015 at 6:57am

You mean lute?  I believe that is where the word comes from.

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