A Luthier is an odd creature… spending many hours locked away working with wood and only occasionally escaping the confines of the workshop. Yet despite the solitary impression this may give, establishing personal relationships with musicians is as important as the wood from which the instrument is to be made. The Classical Guitar Luthier understands that establishing trust and collaboration is the means by which he/she will learn and understand the musical needs of customers. Without this there is little opportunity to appreciate what is required to best respond to the needs of the individual.
So, a Luthier not only needs the passion and desire to spend many hours working alone to produce workmanship of the very highest and most precise quality but also needs the human skills to be able to listen and interpret the requirements of musicians.
The relationship and interdependency between Luthier and musician is often not well understood. Musicians will have their own understanding of what makes a fine classical guitar. The language available to describe the feel and response they seek from the completed instrument is imprecise, confusing and perhaps even misleading. It is the role of the Classical Guitar Luthier to bring some shape, structure and common understanding to the communications with potential customers.
The Classical Guitar Luthier understands there no such thing as the perfect instrument. Perfection is in the ‘eyes of the beholder’………the musician customer. Whilst perfection in workmanship is achievable, the personality of the instrument that the Luthier creates for the customer must be as close to the customers idea of perfection as is possible to achieve. Both parties rely upon each other. Both invest considerable time and effort to getting it right. After all the hard work, an instrument has been created that brings it’s unique personality into the world of music. It is the responsibility of both maker and musician to mould the many variables to create something that is worthy and special.