Hatcher 100th Guitar!

[Mark Hatcher]

When you build your first guitar somebody tells you "Well, you won't really start figuring this out until you've built seven guitars"

When you've built seven somebody else says,"You don't really get going until after you've built twenty five guitars"

At twenty five you're told forty.

By fifty you know not to listen to anybody unless they have built more guitars than whatever magic number they're touting.

At 100 there just aren't that many makers who have built more than 100 and the ones that did have built enough guitars to know that you never really do know what you're doing.

That's the real magic of creating guitars. The day I think I know what I'm doing will be the day the magic is gone.

Mark

[jaymarsch]

Congratulations, Mark! What a fabulous achievement. As an owner of several handmade guitars, I always like to know where those guitars fall in the evolution of each luthier’s journey. You must be thrilled to know that those 100 guitars are keeping 100 players inspired about their music every day.
Best,
Jayne

[Treenewt]

Congrats Mark! I honestly figured you were FAR beyond that number now with the skill level and quality of your work! Can't wait to see this special one take shape!

[canuck7]

I did too! I was thinking in the hundreds!!

[TBman]

Congrats!

Your guitars always held a special attraction for me. Excellent workmanship.

[MThomson]

Congratulations on the milestone and best wishes for enjoying the rest of your journey.

[j. Kinnaird]

A significant milestone Mark. Looking at your guitars I would have assumed that you had made many more than that.

[iim7V7IM7]

Congrats Mark... As you well know, the total number is never as important as the goal of the current guitar on one's bench being your very best...

[rule18]

Congrats on a (continuing) job well done!!

[Lonzo]

..the ones I know ‚hands on‘ are double digit.. but great in any respect...
The Elephant in the room: which one is it ? Have we seen some of it already without knowing about the 100... or is it yet to come?

Congrats Mark ! If until 100 is so good - where will you take us ?

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

Congratulations, Mark! What a fabulous achievement. As an owner of several handmade guitars, I always like to know where those guitars fall in the evolution of each luthier’s journey. You must be thrilled to know that those 100 guitars are keeping 100 players inspired about their music every day.
Best,
Jayne

Thank you Jayne, I do get a lot of satisfaction being able to contribute to the artists making music from our creations.

Originally Posted by Treenewt

Congrats Mark! I honestly figured you were FAR beyond that number now with the skill level and quality of your work! Can't wait to see this special one take shape!

Thanks Treenewt. I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up until I was 45. I was already a woodworker for many years, I’d owned Hobby shops and made a lot of R/C sailplanes, I managed a photography store and I had a jewelry making business. Mix it all up and you get Hatcher guitars!

Originally Posted by canuck7

I did too! I was thinking in the hundreds!!

Thanks, yeah, an average of a little less than 5 a year for about 23 years. My first guitar took 2 years!

Originally Posted by TBman

Congrats!

Your guitars always held a special attraction for me. Excellent workmanship.

Thanks TBman, it’s my joy to build guitars.

Originally Posted by MThomson

Congratulations on the milestone and best wishes for enjoying the rest of your journey.

Wait till you see the next 100!

m

[BrunoBlack]

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

When you build your first guitar somebody tells you "Well, you won't really start figuring this out until you've built seven guitars"

When you've built seven somebody else says,"You don't really get going until after you've built twenty five guitars"

At twenty five you're told forty.

By fifty you know not to listen to anybody unless they have built more guitars than whatever magic number they're touting.

At 100 there just aren't that many makers who have built more than 100 and the ones that did have built enough guitars to know that you never really do know what you're doing.

That's the real magic of creating guitars. The day I think I know what I'm doing will be the day the magic is gone.

Mark

Congratulations Mark. I’m not buying the Bold comment above. I’ve watched you for a while and you’ve become a Master. Carry on in good health.

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by j. Kinnaird

A significant milestone Mark. Looking at your guitars I would have assumed that you had made many more than that.

Thanks John, that coming from a luthier is certainly a compliment!

Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7

Congrats Mark... As you well know, the total number is never as important as the goal of the current guitar on one's bench being your very best...

That’s what it is all about really. Challenging yourself with each build.

Originally Posted by rule18

Congrats on a (continuing) job well done!!

Thanks rule18, It’s been a great ride so far! I’m planning to keep it that way.

Originally Posted by Lonzo

..the ones I know ‚hands on‘ are double digit.. but great in any respect...
The Elephant in the room: which one is it ? Have we seen some of it already without knowing about the 100... or is it yet to come?

Congrats Mark ! If until 100 is so good - where will you take us ?

I’ve had a couple peaks of it so far but I’ll do the build thread. Rather than go the full bling route (which is certainly a great way to go). I’m going to go with a different approach try to show where I’ve been and where I’m going.

m

[difalkner]

Congrats!! And your guitars are so exceptional - excellent job! I only have 99 to go to catch up to you, as well.

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Haasome

Congratulations Mark. I’m not buying the Bold comment above. I’ve watched you for a while and you’ve become a Master. Carry on in good health.

Thanks Haasome, The thing about guitars is that there are so many complex systems interacting with each other they are what conscientious scientists refer to as art.

I'm not saying I don't know anything. I know how and why I do what i do with a good control of the outcome. I also know luthiers who do things that I consider big red flags in my studio and I don't understand why their guitars sound good.

Originally Posted by difalkner

Congrats!! And your guitars are so exceptional - excellent job! I only have 99 to go to catch up to you, as well.

I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I have!