We often find the label “handmade” on all kinds of objects, from food to cars, and of course, musical instruments. But what does this label really mean? Because “handmade” seems to clearly define how something was constructed, but was this item really made using only hands? Probably not. Did a machine play a part in the process? Most likely yes. How many people were involved in its creation? One, two, twenty…? With all these variables, how should we interpret this message?
Of course, saying something is handmade can be another marketing tool that makes the product seem better, more exclusive, unique, or that there are only a few of its kind. The problem is that the term is quite ambiguous, and authorities grant these “artisan product” or “handmade” labels based on somewhat vague criteria to companies that apply for them, even in cases of large industrial productions. As a result, many artisans lose (we lose) any interest in obtaining these labels. (You can find information about one of these labels and how to obtain it on the website of the Craft Center of the Valencian Community).
But then, when talking about musical instruments, and specifically guitars, what about luthier-made guitars? Are they handmade? Are they better? They are usually much more expensive than factory-made guitars, so they must be better, right? Well, it depends. On what? On how they were made. A factory can produce very good guitars, and a luthier or guitar maker can also create a rather mediocre guitar. Everything will depend on how the available knowledge and tools are used in each case. Far from undermining my own profession, I firmly believe that an individual guitar maker can create a guitar superior to most factory-made ones. Not because they work only with their hands, as they will surely use electric tools and some machines. The real potential lies in the fact that they, and only they, will carry out ALL the construction processes. Let’s look at their strengths compared to more industrialized or mass productions:
Passion. Yes, this matters. A lot. Someone who puts not only their time but also all their effort, interest, and dedication into each stage of construction will always do a much better job. Additionally, they won’t hesitate to spend time observing, detailing, thinking… whatever it takes, to ensure the result is perfect.
Involvement in the entire process. The luthier designs the instrument they want to build, personally goes to select and buy the wood, chooses it for each instrument, initially dimensions it, shapes it, assembles it into their guitar… and ends up knowing it very well. This way, they are able to bring out the best in the materials to optimize the final result. These different parts of the process become a whole that offers many perspectives to the builder, allowing them to act at each stage to achieve the best result, or at least get as close as possible to the idea they have in mind.
Constant quality control. The guitar maker defines a level of perfectionism that only they control. They do and supervise everything. They don’t delegate. Their name will be on that guitar, and they are the ultimate responsible for all its aspects, both sonic and aesthetic. But not only are they responsible, they also know very well everything that happened during its creation, so they can confidently respond to any questions about the quality of their work. They will certainly make sure to achieve only the best results.
Higher level of customization. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the guitar will be better or worse. It just means that it will be better adapted to the guitarist, who can choose or alter some characteristics of the instrument to suit their preferences or needs. For example, the string scale length, string spacing, string height, neck thickness, nut width… Other aesthetic elements as well, though the guitar maker likely already has a defined aesthetic that they may not want to modify for every guitar. In any case, absolutely all elements of the guitar can be discussed and considered. This is possible because each instrument is made individually. However, making these modifications in mass production would be difficult and costly.
Luthier–guitarist relationship. The instrument in the hands of the performer is a tool of expression. Expression of feelings and emotions that need to be conveyed. This isn’t easy, and the musician works very hard to communicate through this language that is music. A fundamental aspect is knowing the tool they use, knowing it very well. And they will know it more and better if they share certain ideas or philosophy with its creator, if they have witnessed its construction, or even if they were involved in the process.
For me, this is what it means for a guitar to be handmade, or artisanal, or “luthier-made.” Being a guitar maker is more than a profession; it’s a way of life. And this adds a value to the instrument that goes beyond a label or a necessary symbolic price.
The handmade in this field still continues and will continue to prevail against the industrialization of all processes and products.
On our website you can find products for the varnishing and finishing process of your guitar, as well as tutorials on how to apply these products to achieve a professional finish that will validate that the handmade will always stand out in this field no matter how much the years go by and how much progress is made.
