Can we call ourselves luthiers?

[gary sheldon]

That is my question for discussion.  I would like to call myself a luthier, but I hesitate.  I have built 21 instruments.   They all work.  I usually say I am an amateur luthier.  

I have built 3 string guitars, 4 string guitars and 11 ukes.  Do my own fretting, have built 5 boxes, albeit rectangular

Like most of us, I am self-taught, with a lot of help from you guys in the Nation.  I've made lots of jigs to compensate for lack of power tools.

I have been at this for 1 1/2 years and have sold about 8 instruments.  I am semiretired.

What do you think?.

[Mark Lillo]

luthier
noun  lu·thi·er \ˈlü-tē-ər, -thē-ər\
Definition of LUTHIER

: one who makes stringed musical instruments (as violins or guitars)

[gary sheldon]

OK.  I like that.

[Dan Sleep]

I have asked that very same question myself. The context the word is often used in seems to indicate an elevated level of expertise. What exactly that level is remains undetermined.

[the anonymous pick]

just  tell  them  you're  not  licensed  ,...  but  certifiable   ;-)

[Skeesix]

There's no licensing or required schooling or anything to become a luthier, so technically anybody can call themselves a luthier.

However, I think people will assume that you have expertise with "real" guitars.

[Dan Sleep]

Yea, I am sure the guitar snobs will make their point that CBGs are "not real instruments"...

[gary sheldon]

Yes, Dan.  Real guitars are made in  far east factories by slave labor.  Ours are hand built in the Western countries by hobbyists or artisans.  Which are real?   : )  .

 

[Dan Sleep]

LOL...good point!

[Marcus Darwell]

YA MON!!!!!!!

[Bob Harrison]

I totally agree, anybody can call themselves a luthier. So, it appears we are in this age self identification. 

[ChickenboneJohn]

I call myself a guitar maker...I've made hundreds of guitars, but I've never made a luth.

[gary sheldon]

You mean lute?  I believe that is where the word comes from.