BarkellWH -> RE: Guitar making is becoming a racket. (Jan. 2 2013 22:28:43)
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quote:
I'm discouraged and as I work everyday at the bench I feel like I'm wasting my time and life. Today anyone can buy the plans ( Reyes Model ) and the tools and be up and running in a few months and make a guitar and sell it. The reason they can do this is because all those who spent years figuring it out discuss these things on the internet and any one with three brain cells left can read it and make a guitar that looks correct. People who spent time learning an waiting for five years before they call them self a maker seem to be getting shafted. I have a friend in Canada who makes killer Torres model classicals , but he has a houseful of them. Elaborate a little bit, Stephen. I cannot imagine that someone beginning as a luthier who buys the plans (for a Reyes model, for example) and some tools, and after experimenting for a few months, is capable of making a guitar anywhere near the level of quality and refinement of one of your guitars, or that of some other luthiers on this forum. As you state above, he may be able to follow the plans and look stuff up on the internet, and come up with a guitar that "looks correct." But surely there will be a big difference in sound, tone, and playability. It will take him years to reach that level of refinement, just as it took you and others years to reach it. So what are we really talking about here? Does the newbie price his guitar at the level of a much more refined instrument, and gullible, unknowing people buy it at that price? Or does he sell it at the much lower price it deserves, and people looking for a much cheaper guitar purchase it? In the end, then, are we talking about lack of knowledge of, and appreciation for, a finely-crafted instrument on the part of the consuming public? I guess what I am driving at here is that there will always be a cohort of guitarists who know and appreciate quality. But they are a very small cohort, and once they have one or two instruments, they will be unlikely to consider further purchases. There is a large consuming public, however, who might just want to learn to play guitar and aren't particularly concerned with the craftsmanship that goes into a fine instrument. I sympathize with you and other luthiers who put your hearts and souls into your work. For you, it is a labor of love. But if my questions and observations above have any validity, I don't know an answer to your dilemma. By the way, when do you plan to make your move with your lady to Japan? I have no idea, but maybe the situation will be different there. Have you looked into Japanese guitar-buying habits and trends? I know there are some who appreciate very high-end quality. Toward the end of his luthiery career, almost all of Gerundino's remaining stock was sold to a Japanese. I imagine there are many who just want a guitar without thinking much about craftsmanship as well. Hope things pick up for you in 2013, amigo. Cheers, Bill
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