Belvedere Times

5/5 for Lutherie

Michael-David McKernan, Co-curricular Editor

I'll start at the beginning because that's where it all began!  I chose Lutherie as my Tuesday pursuit really because I thought it would be a completely awesome thing to do. To actually make my own guitar was an unthinkably cool idea! After seeing what some of the people in the first term's course had made I went into the first class of Lutherie enthusiastic and expectant.

I didn't however, take into account the work involved in fabricating a musical instrument in the string section.  That was a mistake, I really should have.  But that too was such an enjoyable experience.  Belvedere doesn't offer woodwork as a subject but to anyone who would have chosen it I'd recommend Lutherie.  I wasn't an avid carpenter prior to Lutherie but since doing it I find myself admiring my kitchen table.

Using a router to effectively dig a hole in your soon-to-be guitar is a scary experience.  The process must be done carefully and with a steady hand.  This was something I failed spectacularly at.  As I was attempting to use this apparently lethal power tool, I lost concentration and what ensued was, looking back on it now, a comical chain of events.  I dragged the still-spinning router across my guitar, for goodness knows what reason, screamed and literally threw the router on the table.  Thank God my cataclysmic action didn't result in any fatalities, but my guitar bears the wounds to this day.

However, I've dubbed the mistake as having added 'character' to my guitar.  It is in no way perfect, but it is mine. My very own handmade guitar and, despite there being a few imperfections carved into it, I still love it. No matter how your guitar turns out in the end, everyone gets that same feeling of fulfillment.

I strongly encourage all the students in younger years to try to do Lutherie.  However, you must be committed.  I missed three classes because of the Camino and didn't exactly finish it as a result.  But to end on a happy note, here's a photo of my guitar. Try to spot the mistake!