What is a Luthier?

sequoia

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This is in response to a post by Titchtheclown: "I'm not a luthier but..."

When I make something like this I wonder if it increases my likelihood of becoming an "I'm not a luthier but". As we all know an I'm not a luthier but is the most knowledgeable and wise expert on all things to do with ukuleles, guitars and string instruments in general.

Just what is a "luthier" anyway? Below is a definition:

lu•thi•er loo͞′tē-ər►
n. One that makes or repairs stringed instruments, such as violins.
n. One who makes wooden stringed instruments, such as violins, guitars, etc.
n. A person who, or a business which, makes or repairs stringed wooden musical instruments, such as lutes, violins, and guitars.


Technically, anyone who makes a single stringed instrument is a luthier. However, I see it as anyone who builds an instrument is "practicing the art of lutherie". If one practices the art of lutherie (luthery?) does that make you a luthier? I think a person who practices the art of lutherie as a profession can be called a luthier. Just because I build a stone wall, that does not make me a stonemason even though I practice the art of stonemasonry. "I'm not a stonemason but...".
 
It's a question I have often thought about. I feel uncomfortable when people call me a luthier just because I've made a few good guitars and ukuleles.
I think the difference between me and a luthier is that I make a ukulele using woods which I think would sound good and using my skills as best I can. When it turns out well, I am happy.
A luthier, on the other hand, knows what they want to achieve before they start (in terms of tone, looks, sustain, projection.....) and builds a stringed instrument to meet those specifications.
Other ideas welcomed.
Miguel
 
I also take it as a professional description. Someone who can repair a leaky faucet is not necessarily a plumber who makes a living with this, someone who knows how to play guitar is not necessarily a guitarist. So same for luthier, it's someone who makes a living repairing and building stringed instruments.
 
Well, by that definition, if you've repaired a stringed instrument, you're a luthier. Any of the mods/adjustments I've done don't qualify as repairs, so I can't even pretend. Phew, dodged that one!
 
all the other analogies up above seem about right. The luthier knows all the science to building to come out with good intonation, etc along with look.
Kind of like I'm a wrencher instead of a mechanic. I can follow point A to B putting something together, but a good mechanic understands all the physics of what makes a motorcycle works.
Titch is a luthier for cookie tin ukes though. Some of his are great.
 
When I go through immigration, I say i'm a luthier.

I think a luthier is one who is willing to explain to everyone not a luthier (eg- those that work at immigration) what a luthier is. :)
 
I 'think' I know a few luthiers. I say 'think' because some of them, despite turning out utterly divine instruments, don't actually like being referred to as luthiers. They call themselves builders.

I'm neither a builder or a luthier, but it's an interesting topic!
 
This is in response to a post by Titchtheclown: "I'm not a luthier but..."



Just what is a "luthier" anyway? Below is a definition:

lu•thi•er loo͞′tē-ər►
n. One that makes or repairs stringed instruments, such as violins.
n. One who makes wooden stringed instruments, such as violins, guitars, etc.
n. A person who, or a business which, makes or repairs stringed wooden musical instruments, such as lutes, violins, and guitars.


Technically, anyone who makes a single stringed instrument is a luthier. However, I see it as anyone who builds an instrument is "practicing the art of lutherie". If one practices the art of lutherie (luthery?) does that make you a luthier? I think a person who practices the art of lutherie as a profession can be called a luthier. Just because I build a stone wall, that does not make me a stonemason even though I practice the art of stonemasonry. "I'm not a stonemason but...".
It depends on the profession and liability.. one cannot call themselves a doctor if they can diagnose because of the stakes involved there is a strong gate keeping for the label. Actors, singers, painters are defined by their ability and the their success at creating something of value (personal or $$) with almost no gate keeping.
A luthier is somewhere in between.. if you can build an instrument reliably and it is of value to some one then call yourself a luthier.
 
I guess the question then, "Is Luthierie a profession?"

My PD consultant has me down in his notes as a 'master ukulele maker'.

When I registered my father's death I gave his profession as 'master craftsman engineer'. No such title or professional name exists except on his death certificate.

Sooooo, I like the idea of making things up. I'm an artisan craftsman who is a ukulele maker. And what a lucky and thankful man I am!
 
Here is what I think: Lutherie is a trade. Luthiers are tradesman. Just because an ukulele might make beautiful, magical sounds doesn't make it any different than laying bricks. I've seen bricklayers who are absolute artisans at their trade and produce stunning products. Tradesman by definition make their living at their trade. I've lost count of the number of ukes I've sold, but I don't do it to make a living. I would have starved long ago. Thus I am not really a luthier. I'm an ukulele builder who does it for the love and pleasure of producing an object of beauty and the money I make is incidental. So Titch is not really a luthier (sorry Titch!) although he produces charmingly whimsical stringed instruments. Beau most definitely is a "luthier" because he does it to make a living (when he isn't smuggling in illegal Wombats from Australia).
 
LexLuthor1.jpg

Correct.

Lex Luthier is depicted as a diabolical genius and is referred to only by his surname. He resides in a flying city suspended by a dirigible and plots to provoke a war between two European nations. Lois Lane and Clark Kent investigate, which results in Lois being kidnapped. Lex Luthier battles Superman with a green ray but Luthier is ultimately defeated by Superman, and Lois is rescued
 
Ar luthier is someone who makes a living repairing and building stringed instruments. There are people who build instruments, I see them as instrument builders. Then there are repairmen, they could probably build one. I feel that while building is an art in itself if you do not know how to repair, which is an art in itself, you do not wear the crown. If someone drops a 1860's instrument on your bench, can you restore it? I would hope a luthier could.
 
Luthiers like most professions do specialise in particular instruments. Mostvofvus specialise in ukuleles. Many of us would turn down a commission to build a replica 14th century archlute. I did hear the pope once tried to get his Gibson guitar repaired but the guy turned him down because he was a Martin luthier.
 
you are what you do

You are what you do. Some are better than others. I have been a professional house painter and faster and better than any one else, as recognized by other painters, and a licensed general contractor. I was also a network engineer by designation of certifications and practice, although it took a couple years to get comfortable in my networking abilities.
I don't think anyone should deny that they are luthiers, we all have different abilities and specific skills, but are all part of the big picture. How many luthiers are there in the world? I think it is a small group unless you work in a factory and only do a specific job.
Knowing the how and why of what you are doing, and always learning is the key. I am new to this, but other skills have transferred. Before starting I read 3 credible reference books on guitar making, made a shop with climate control, bought the necessary tools, and made my own assembly and construction jigs. I don't deny that most of you are better and have more experience than me, but at least I feel like I know what I am doing and the science behind it. Hail to the luthiers!!
 
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