What's a luthier?

[prowla]

The term "luthier" gets used a lot, but what does it mean?

[Burns-bass]

I see this as a response to your post in the FS section and I agree. One would assume someone would have undergone some form of structured training or apprenticeship, but people can call themselves whatever they want.

 

In my sector (copywriting, content and journalism) people can call themselves whatever they want - and they very often do. 

[Hellzero]

The official definition of luthier, which is a French word is: crafter of stringed instruments.

 

Hélas, this is not protected.

[Rosie C]

My own understanding is that in addition to repairs and setup of instruments, a luthier actually makes instruments too. 

I'm guessing the word comes from 'lute' in the deep and distant past?

[Hellzero]

3 minutes ago, Rosie C said:

My own understanding is that in addition to repairs and setup of instruments, a luthier actually makes instruments too. 

I'm guessing the word comes from 'lute' in the deep and distant past?

Just see above...

[zbd1960]

A luthier is a maker/repairer of stringed instruments that includes all the descendants of the vihuela: that's viols (viola da gamba), and guitars. In addition it includes the members of the lute and violin families etc. Traditionally, luthiers were trained via apprenticeship to a master luthier. In the UK formal training is run by places such as Newark and West Dean.  

Edited 4 hours ago by zbd1960

[SteveXFR]

A luthier is a person who is professional trained and highly skilled in the art of wallet emptying. 

[Staggering on]

3 minutes ago, SteveXFR said:

A luthier is a person who is professional trained and highly skilled in the art of wallet emptying. 

 

Especially if he is working on your double bass. 🙄

[Hellzero]

47 minutes ago, Hellzero said:

The official definition of luthier, which is a French word is: crafter of stringed instruments.

 

Hélas, this is not protected.

To be very clear: somebody assembling parts IS NOT a luthier, he has to craft them, neither is the guy only changing strings and tuning (when he can) an instrument.

 

There are so many people pretending to be luthiers and who are just wallet emptiers.

[prowla]

My definition is that someone who crafts (or makes) an instrument from bare wood (but may attach bought-in shinyware & electrics) is a luthier .

There's also the term "tech" used; I'd define that as someone who does professional-grade setups and repairs.

In contrast, someone who builds (or assembles) an instrument from pre-made parts (ie. neck & body) isn't; I'd probably call them builders(?).

I've had great results putting together instruments from parts, but my woodworking skills are pretty abysmal, so I could probably never be a luthier.

[Norris]

The term is used far too loosely and freely imo. A proper luthier should have had years of apprenticeship, training and experience.

 

I've made guitars from scratch but wouldn't call myself anything but a hobbyist

[Bone Idol]

Isn't it someone with a lisp who can foretell where the toilets are? 😉

Edited 4 hours ago by Bone Idol