#16
|
|||
|
|||
No different from hobby artists and hobby craftspeople of any kind - some do it from pure love of the process, and have skill, and are willing to let their work go for less than its probably worth. If you meet someone like this, and you get the opportunity to buy some of their work - whatever it is - then it can be a real treasure to add to your life and experiences. But if your expectations are that materials and desire are all it takes, then you will undoubtedly be disappointed. Some do it out of a belief that they can make a living at it, and all it takes is promotion and marketing to make it happen. And some of them make it too - because the skill to properly evaluate an item can be as tricky as the skill to make the item - sometimes thats why I like to hear a really good guitarist play one of my guitars. I can learn more and hear more that way than when I play it.
Everyone has to make mistakes and get experience in order to gain skill - very few people have any innate talent that allows them to create purely on intuition, and the few that do still have a learning curve to go through to acheive mastery. The act of creating is always worth supporting - even if the result isn't "perfect" - so accept it for what it is. Then you won't be disappointed.
__________________
More than a few Santa Cruz’s, a few Sexauers, a Patterson, a Larrivee, a Cumpiano, and a Klepper!! |
#17
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
__________________
Rodger Knox, PE 1917 Martin 0-28 1956 Gibson J-50 et al |
#18
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Having had accepted commissions for everything from reproduction Model "A" parts, to furniture for some higher-profile clients, custom signage both hand-cut and mechanically cut, to pen-and-ink or charcoal drawings, building additions, retrofitting mills to CNC, and yes even electric guitars, I have to admit part of my motivation is accepting said challenges. I hadn't all gone smoothly, but they all ended well and everyone has been happy so far. It takes "something" to go to someone's home, and tell them they're going to tear apart their bathroom or kitchen and inconvenience their lives for a few weeks, and delivering something better than what they had before. I feel the same when I take someone's money and dreams, and attempt to make them a reality as best I can. I'd have to agree that for now, I'd also limit the amount of "options" to what I feel I can deliver on a competent level, while still having the challenges there to keep my interest. Then again, just building a typical guitar poses enough challenges for my clumsy hands! |
#19
|
|||
|
|||
hobby builders
When I decided to find something "better" than the Martin I'd owned for so many years, I looked a lot at boutique guitars at first. Durng that search, Iran across a really nice OM made by some duPont chemist who'd built a total of 2 in his life (at that time). The one for sale was really very very good. I made an offer, tempering the price I offered with the knowledge that if I had to sell it, it would beat a significant discount (a discount, not an insult). The offer was refused. Today, I know a lot more but when confronted with a similar temptation, I'd do the same as I did before - not be afraid to buy, but only at a lower price than I'd pay for an equal guitar from a better-known maker.
__________________
The Bard Rocks Fay OM Sinker Redwood/Tiger Myrtle Sexauer L00 Adk/Magnolia For Sale Hatcher Jumbo Bearclaw/"Bacon" Padauk Goodall Jumbo POC/flamed Mahogany Appollonio 12 POC/Myrtle MJ Franks Resonator, all Australian Blackwood Goodman J45 Lutz/fiddleback Mahogany Blackbird "Lucky 13" - carbon fiber '31 National Duolian + many other stringed instruments. |
#20
|
|||
|
|||
I have been trying to come up with a response to all of the amazing input that this thread has given. Thank you! It is awesome to see how much support you all demonstrate and how this community is so supportive of something outside the commercial driven norm. I feel much the same as tadol. I try endlessly to support individuals and foster often antiquated arts Not being independently wealthy raises a practicality question though. I greatly appreciate everyone's input and expiriences. And to all the Luthiers who are reading - May your tools remain sharp and your benches full of projects.
|