Doc_J
Well-known member
I was wondering how important good hearing is to being a good luthier?
This thought came when a uke sent back to a good luthier with a fret buzz came back with the same fret buzz, just a little softer. How can this be? The only thing I could come up with was that the luthier must have some hearing loss. While hearing seems critical on some steps, such as set-up and fine adjustments for sound, I also know Kamaka employes deaf persons in making their ukes. At Kamaka feeling vibrations was considered more important than hearing in the noisey shop.
So, how important is hearing and listening in your building process?
( BTW The buzz was eventually eliminated with a taller saddle. The action was really low. )
This thought came when a uke sent back to a good luthier with a fret buzz came back with the same fret buzz, just a little softer. How can this be? The only thing I could come up with was that the luthier must have some hearing loss. While hearing seems critical on some steps, such as set-up and fine adjustments for sound, I also know Kamaka employes deaf persons in making their ukes. At Kamaka feeling vibrations was considered more important than hearing in the noisey shop.
So, how important is hearing and listening in your building process?
( BTW The buzz was eventually eliminated with a taller saddle. The action was really low. )
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