Pete Howlett
Well-known member
My daughter got married a couple of weeks back and announced to the registrar that her dad's profession was luthier! I've never called myself a luthier and would prefered it if she had said Ukulele Maker - a more accurate description of what I do.
However, I note that even those who have been building a short time with few instruments under their belt and no training are eager to add the appelation 'Luthier' to their name... Is this title important and what does one have to do to earn it? Quite frankly I am surprised and somewhat amused at the number of people who with limited knowledge and experience refer to themselves as such. It is a very bold boast...
Am I being very old school in expecting either college training or an endentured apprenticeship to preceed the right to use the name luthier or is it simply up for grabs for anyone who has graduated from building a Stewmac kit to making a Fox bender and churning out ukulele in their spare time?
And yes, this a serious discussion, probably contentious and most likely to offend - sorry if it does.
However, I note that even those who have been building a short time with few instruments under their belt and no training are eager to add the appelation 'Luthier' to their name... Is this title important and what does one have to do to earn it? Quite frankly I am surprised and somewhat amused at the number of people who with limited knowledge and experience refer to themselves as such. It is a very bold boast...
Am I being very old school in expecting either college training or an endentured apprenticeship to preceed the right to use the name luthier or is it simply up for grabs for anyone who has graduated from building a Stewmac kit to making a Fox bender and churning out ukulele in their spare time?
And yes, this a serious discussion, probably contentious and most likely to offend - sorry if it does.
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