your definition of 'boutique'

[Charlie Bernstein]

Boo-teek (n):

1. More expensive than a Martin.

2. More expensive than a Gibson.

3. More expensive than I can imagine being able to afford.

[mercy]

I dont like the term but it is used so often on this and other forums that Ive given up fighting it.
I dont think its cost or numbers or even quality. A boutique scarf or necklace is a unique item made by an individual. Often times it is comparatively expensive to factory made scarfs or whatever but not always. So a boutique guitar is made by an individual, no factories anywhere.
I own a boutique guitar that was made in Canada by 1 guy. It has a great sound and looks, the details are perfect. Ive had other Canadian made guitars that were boutique,ie not factory.
So whats the definition of factory? Off the web, a building filled with machinery, where workers manufacture items or operate machines which process each item from one to another.
That doesnt mean that factory guitars are inferior, just look at the Martin shop. Its a building filled with machinery, where workers manufacture items or operate machines which process each item [in this case a guitar] from one to another. Martin guitars are great though clearly made in a factory.

[Zissou Intern]

Based on the definitions put forth, I suppose my Burkett J45 is a “boutique” guitar. It’s a relatively expensive guitar built by a skilled luthier in a one man shop. However James is humble guy, and the guitar isn’t putting on any airs, so it’s sort of a “pedestrian boutique” build. I think the term “artisan” is more appropriate in this case.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by BWG

I am not certain if this has been discussed before, but what is YOUR interpretation of the term 'boutique' when it comes to guitars?

Hi BWG
High end, solo build (or sometimes two man team). I've seen apprentices assist the master builder on what I'd consider boutique.

My 2005 Bashkin I'd consider a boutique build. Probably my 2003 Kronbauer too, and for sure my 1993 Olson.

[Racerbob]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

I agree that “artisan” is a much better word for small shop builds.
Best,
Jayne

I agree with this description. Or at a minimum for one luthier build guitars by the big boys “boutique equivalent.”

[The Bard Rocks]

I like Robin's suggestion of the word "artisan".

To me, "boutique" implies the most feasible highest quality in a semi-manufacturing system, one where there are few employees and where most employees could handle any step of the process. The instruments are expected to be purchased and played in the country in which they are built. More personal care is taken than most manufacturers can afford. Instruments are created individually, and more handwork is done when compared to manufacturers. But, like manufacturers, they tend to build for the public rather than an individual with specific wants. Yet they are better able and more willing to accommodate such customers than manufacturers.

That said, we use such terms for convenience but in reality, the differences blur as each maker handles the steps of the process in their own way. A one man shop may use CNC machines, may farm out certain steps (finishing, fretting...) while a 3-4 man shop might do it all in-house.