Official Luthiers Forum!

I've been doing it for the last 23 years now. I did it 'professionally' for 3 years and while I never lost the passion I was getting tired of eating beans and rice. The repair side of the business was the only lucrative part but once the Internet took off I lost 4 of the 5 stores I was doing repairs from. So I fell back on my Geology degree and got me a real job.

I've only built about 60 guitars but I can imagine after 1000 or even hundreds it may become rudimentary. But that is the case for any type of work you may be involved in. Lots of people burn out on what ever they do whether you are a lawyer, a programmer, a policeman, a butcher or what ever.

Today I still do repairs and make a few bucks every week doing it which is nice to have around. I'm real close to opening a new shop and can hardly contain the excitement. It's been two years since I've built one. I probably won't ever do commissions again. I never really liked it especially since I don't feel as though I have the control to build a model for example that is similiar from guitar to guitar. It's never been a problem but still. I am just going to have the if I build it they will come attitude and if they pick up and play the guitar and love it then great!

I guess the point I am trying to make is this can happen to anyone and often times does. You'll find the next greatest thing that interests you and persue that and who knows maybe one day get back into it.

Try a piece of furniture........ for me it's the love of wood......

Take on a project that is challenging and up to your skill level...... Grandfather Clock... Maloof Style Rocker......Queen Ann Highboy or Governor Winthrop Desk are all examples of where I'd go if I were burnout on instrument making.

I personally find working on large pieces that can be passed down to family or friends a joy. Don't have a time frame and don't do it for money initially .... if it happens and that is what you want to do then so be it. Please yourself and no one else on what ever piece you choose or build this for someone special as a surprise........ or build a special instrument and put time, energy, and money into it and give it to someone who can't possibly pay for it or pay you back..... someone deserving of your special favor who you may not even know (it truly is more blessed to give than to receive) ............. experiment..... do something that is hard and takes time to figure out...... A lot of what personally motivates me is the challenge not the money or fame and glory...

Blessings,

Kevin

Wow such great comments and advice. Thank you all so very much
My situation is that I am a physician of 20 years. I have have a 10 year old son who will finish high school eight years from now and hopefully his college will be taken care of. It was truly my intention to move to the coast, build guitars for as long as i physically could. I have been a very accomplished player since the early 80's and I love the instrument but building has taught me so much more about what makes these these things tick. I really love that aspect of the process. I can build a pretty good guitar right now,but in 8-10 years I want to build a master grade instrument.

I just can't get mu mojo back

R

Perhaps the desire to pass that skill on to your son might inspire you? I haven't built one in a few years, but my 10-yr old son and I built a solid workbench for him, and that's really kindled my desire to teach him woodworking and eventually luthiery.

Glenn

"I just can't get mu mojo back"

You're in good company. Torres took a break for several years and then came back to it. He built pretty good guitars.

...although Torres' 'first epoch' guitars are considered to be the better ones....

That was because of the special musical logs and the finish he was using at the time.

I wonder if anyone has done a double blind study to see if people can actually differentiate between epochs...

Hey Richard,

Being in the healthcare field I can relate. I think I started a little ahead of you with guitars and after learning how it was done my shop time slowed down considerably. Enough stress at work with ICD-10 looming, dealing with insurance co's, attorneys at times, continuing ed. . . .

Don't let building add to the stress. What I like about this hobby is that I can work it when I choose, or not. I've had some guitars in stages for a few years, others current. I choose what I want to do with this build when I want. Commissions, no way. Have a list of potential buyers and when I'm done I'll call #1 and see if they are still interested, invite them to take it for a spin and if still interested, we'll chat money. If not, on to #2. I was fortunate enough to find a few great guys locally who also build and we meet periodically. They have been a wonderful source of knowledge and inspiration. We've chosen several group projects which have been really enjoyable to teach other budding luthiers some of the tricks and swap stories of successes and bloopers. Even have our own website (BlueRidgeLuthiers.com) and document our builds and time together. Welcome to join us!

One of the most fun builds was for my daughter. I lured her in to helping me pick which woods would look best for a certain build, kept asking her opinion along the way and on her 15th birthday she was told that it was going to be hers. Was incentive for me to keep working it and make it as close to perfect as I could at the time.

My favorite part happens when a really good player sits down with one that I've completed and takes it for a spin. And keeps playing

But I have other outside interests--a son who was active in scouts kept me hiking, camping, traveling--home repairs/upgrades, social functions. Life happens, and whatever you do, try to enjoy it!

Hope that is helpful,
Doc

That explains a lot. My mom was nurse all her life and the doctors she worked for were almost always under constant stress and working all the time. I've been to Spartanburg many times when my cycling team used to do it's training camp down there. If I were you I'd get a bike and go riding all over that beautiful country side or even up in the mountains in the woods. For me anyway there is nothing else that can put my mind in a state of like a good bike ride. Keep your tools and your wood stash and when it calls you back you will know it

Yup, I was an Orthopaedic Surgeon for 30 years and did quite a bit of bike racing in the 80's. No matter how bad a day I had a good hard ride put it to bed.
Now if I have a disaster in the shop I pump,up the tires and head out.
Endorphins are a wonderful thing!

_________________
It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

Sometimes, taking a few steps back can actually become a huge leap forward.

_________________
jw ( o)===:::

terry, I/m on board ,
double my endorphins with 2 bikes 1, 1o speed from 1981 and a mtn bike from 1996 lol