Even though it might seem like a stretch for me to explore this whole “guitar building thing” as a philosophical rant, I think I won’t deny myself after all. In the end, this whole blog of mine is precisely that, mine.
What to do?
I would like to say I don’t have to worry much about money these days, but that is far from the truth. I’m faced with a choice, a rather complex choice, but one that can’t really wait too much longer.
I could become one of those guys who just builds copies. I’ve already had a few conversations with friends who would love to own certain instruments. Recently I was approached about building a Pensa Custom guitar that Soda Stereo used at some point in time, but I would like If I said I was excited about the idea.
To be fair….
There is nothing wrong with making copies. I’ve done it myself a couple of times. People like what they like, and if there is something you can do for them, and they can be happy about, then why the hell not?
All that being said, I have a big problem with making copies. The idea of building strats, telecasters, Les Pauls and other guitars that people love is not horrible to me, but it’s hard to see myself motivated enough to do it.
Here’s what I’m saying…
Building a guitar from scratch, more so these days because I started from a tree that I fell myself, takes so much effort, so many man hours, that keeping myself motivated to the finish line is a challenge in itself.
There is no home depot here, or a lumber store, so that I can get dimensioned lumber to begin work. To be precise, I have some fretboard blanks to cut, that are finally ready after having milled them three years ago over the span of two months.
Hence why…
Making new things, unique things, instruments that are definitely mine, makes more sense in my head. This is not to say I’m intending to sell them for Boutique guitar prices, at least not anytime soon, but so that I know that I’m offering something of value I can defend. Does that make sense to anyone else?
If I made Fender copies, for example. Would I be making the best Fender guitars in the world? No, In America? No, In South America? No, In Ecuador? Also probably no. There are thousands of skilled luthiers making them, and have been at it for decades, and they rock at it, so stepping into that world makes little sense to me.
More like a painting…
As I was thinking about my little conundrum, thinking about what I want to get out of this, I’ve come with a conclusion, for now that is.
I rather approach this whole thing like doing art. I begin with an idea, with some raw materials, a general direction, and then build upon that, challenging myself to try some “rule breaking” along the way.
This means, of course, that instruments made by me won’t be for everyone. But somehow that feels like it’s probably a good thing.
If my current mindset is stupid, I will find out soon enough, but I can’t help to think I’m making the right choice for my heart.
MenO
