A luthier is a craftsman who specializes in making and repairing stringed instruments. Unlike other professions, that of the luthier cannot be learned in one or two lessons … not even in one or two years. For this reason, it is one of the few areas of woodworking where apprenticeship still remains the best way to acquire the necessary skills.
Steps
Step 1. Try to understand the reasons why you want to become a luthier
Decide what kind of tools you would like to make. Luthiers can make a variety of instruments upon request, from violins and violas to mandolins and guitars. What tools would you like to build? What are your motivations for learning this art?
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Learn the names of the various parts of the instruments you will work on: no one would want to turn to a luthier who does not know their work.
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Step 2. Learn everything there is to know about the materials that are used to manufacture the chosen instrument
This is especially important for guitars and basses, which come in a variety of shapes. The type of material greatly affects both the natural tone and reverberation as well as the physical structure and resistance of the instrument. First, you will need to learn what types of wood are used for the different parts of the guitar. For example, for the soundboard you need a wood that is strong and produces a clear and bright sound. Indian rosewood and ebony are high quality woods, and excellent choices for obtaining a clear and "bright" sound. There is a large variety of woods you can select from, from all over the world. Do some research on which woods are most suitable and readily available for making guitars. You can choose different combinations, or even discover a new combination of woods to create a unique and wonderful sound!
Step 3. Evaluate the idea of buying a kit or ready-made parts to understand if you really like the job
Step 4. Take an advanced course in woodworking
The art of making tools requires a good knowledge of the methods for selecting, forming and finishing wooden parts. Attending a violin making school is the best solution.
Step 5. Consider the following:
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Weather. It will take several years of experience in the art of making stringed instruments. If you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to become an apprentice with an established luthier (or even more than one).
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Money. That of the luthier is not a profession that pays well right away. During an apprenticeship you won't make a living, and you'll likely need another job before you can rely on lutherie as your primary source of income. Having experience in this field could help you find a job in the music industry.
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Connections with established luthiers to whom you can propose yourself as an apprentice. The things you know about this type of business are important, but even more important are the PEOPLE you know. The latter will be infinitely important. Start cultivating these friendships consistently as soon as possible.
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Advice
- It is important to understand that violin making requires a lot of refinement in the art of working with wood, a skill that takes years to develop.
- He looks suspiciously at those who pride themselves on their skills after a short apprenticeship. Humility is a hallmark of the best craftsmen, who over time and experience have learned that things are not as simple as they may initially appear.
- To get started, make sure you know the basic terminology used for your instrument (such as, for example, "intonation" or "action" - English term used to define the height of the strings on the fingerboard), as well as the names of the various parts. instrument (keyboard, headstock, sound box, keys, etc.). You would sound very unprofessional if you kept calling the keyboard "that long black thing" or the headstock "the final part". Learning the names of the various parts of the instrument already means taking a step forward compared to many beginners.
