TPGC Blogs

The best guitars come from small workshops. Sometimes a principal will oversee the work of several experienced craftsmen, occasionally there will be a collaboration and division of labor often, though, the guitar will be made by one man working alone. This pattern of craftsmanship is the key to both the individuality and quality of the handmade instrument. Two men can sit at adjoining workbenches, working on the same design, with the same timbers and following the same procedures–but the guitars they produce will sound different. 

Every maker builds something of himself - his ideas and his personality into what he makes, and every handmade guitar has a distinctive character that derives ultimately from the individuality of the man who made it. In a factory-built guitar, assembled by different workers from mass-produced pre-prepared parts, such character is impossible. 

The luthier’s traditional methods has other plus points. In developing his conception of the guitar, he can draw on his past experience and results. He is free to experiment, making slight changes from guitar to guitar in search for his ideal sound. He can tailor a guitar to the requirements of a particular customer. He has the opportunity to discuss his work with outstanding guitarists who judge his success or failure. Above all he can select, cut and season timber to his exact requirements, and control quality at all stages of development. 

These advantages have to be paid for. The best materials are costly; Hand construction is slow and laborious; and a luthier’s production is not large - about 20 to 30 guitars a year, sometimes less. Finally, the demand for good guitars has outstripped the supply and they have become subjects of investment. The price has risen accordingly.

by Ernest Kwok