Luthier Materials - Entertainment - Music

What is the Definition of Luthier Materials?

First, a luthier is the definition of a person who engages in either stringed instrument repair or construction. More frequently than not, in the United States, a luthier is referred to through their trade such as, guitar maker, lute maker or violin maker.

Lutherie describes the actual stringed instrument production, and is divided into two major categories being, strummed or plucked instruments, and instruments being played with a bow.

Luthier Materials is the term that is used to describe all of the materials that are used specifically in the production of stringed instruments and can include the following:

Luthier Materials related to bowed instruments frequently have top and back blanks that are split into wedge-shape pieces to make allowances for the arched top. These wedge-shaped top and back plates are additionally used for some of the plucked and strummed instruments such as the arch-topped guitar, and the mandolin.

Classical Guitar and Acoustic Guitar Materials are divided into four major categories: Materials used for Finishing, Wood Products, Decoration and Hardware.

Guitar Finishing Products:

Wood Product Materials:

Decorative Products:

Various Hardware Products

There are many fantastic sources for each of these four luthier material categories. Some suppliers specialize in just the wood products and some even specialize exclusively in top tonewood. Many other suppliers offer wide-ranging materials and a few offer luthier materials that the guitar builder needs to build a great guitar.

Visit our page on Luthier Materials Sources, for a full listing and links to some of the best Luthier Materials supply houses. This will be a growing list as we find quality suppliers and give our analysis of each supplier. Also as we receive feedback from you, our readers, this list will be amended.

Many of the suppliers will stand firmly behind their products and guarantee enhanced customer experience. Please note however, that wood products are natural products, and there are minor defects that are associated with naturally occurring products that do not have the tight tolerances or control and there may be some hidden artifacts or blemishes. Below is an excerpt from a typical customer satisfaction guarantee that many supply houses will state.

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee for Luthier Materials:

As you might guess, we are confident in our products. If you are sent an product which does not live up to your expectations, you can apply for an exchange or return for either a credit or refund. We only ask that you speak to a salesperson, that the product be unaltered and un-worked, and returned within 2 weeks of receiving it. This policy does not apply to items from our service department since these items have been altered.

This customer satisfaction document gives you an idea as to the extent that many of these suppliers will go to enhance their customer experience.

Griffbretter Gitarre