Yesterday’s article was very positively received, and for good reason: it demonstrated that it’s possible to have fun building a fine stringed instrument…even if the resultant instrument doesn’t look all that fine.
This article – actually a wonderfully extensive series of articles – was briefly mentioned in the introduction to yesterday’s linked posting, and I wanted to share it as well. For those of you who have been bitten HARD by the lutherie bug and have moved far beyond the tinkerer stage into serious instrument building, this is for you. Even if you have no intentions of building your own exquisite cello, it makes for fascinating reading.
If you were to assign a dollar value to the hours it takes to build a nice instrument, you’d quickly decide that finished versions are relatively inexpensive to buy. This is due to many factors, such as well-trained (and superbly-skilled) craftsmen, dedicated workshops, and exchange rates (in some cases), among other things. But for some exceedingly creative musicians, the thrill of playing an instrument that they themselves made is so far beyond playing a purchased instrument that words just can’t capture the feeling. You know who you are.
Here at PTM, we’ve discussed homebuilt instruments ranging from gas can banjos to hand-made marimbas, and it’s all good. For those cellists among us who want to create their next instrument with their own loving hands…this one’s for you. Enjoy!
When we’ve featured hand-made instruments before, I’ll admit I was surprised by the response. I had no idea how many folks enjoy not only playing their instruments, but also making them.
In hindsight, I suppose I should have expected it. I’ve done some basic lutherie, and I have enjoyed the challenges that accompanied each task. Looking at it from the opposite perspective, you’d be surprised at the extent of contraptions from which you can coax pleasant sounds.
This All Things Strings article details the author’s intriguing efforts to build a crude cello from scrap found in his basement. Nothing fancy, nothing pretty. Pure function, pure fun.
If you’re a real instrument geek – and I say that with great admiration – you’ll likely take away some ideas from your first read. You’ll also likely bookmark it. And why not? Antonio Stradivari had to start somewhere, and don’t kid yourself: if he’d had the internet, he would have bookmarked it, too.
A key part to becoming a good Part-Time Musician (PTM) is finding the inspiration you need, when you need it, to keep advancing. This comes easily on some evenings, as we look forward to spending time with our instrument as a way to cleanse ourselves of the day’s frustrations. At other times, we could use a little help.
For many of us, the best cure for the “blahs” is to watch a live performance. Failing that, many great performances can be watched from the comfort of your favorite desk chair. We can discuss the psychology of why watching someone else play motivates us to pick up our own instrument (watch out, pianists!) at some future time…but for now, let’s get to the good stuff!
Wells Cunningham is a cello teacher with an impressive background and performance record. His amazing Impossible Duet video has provided our family and others a great deal of inspiration that deserves to be shared.
Inspired yet? I thought so.
While I may never play like Mr. Cunningham, I can’t watch his “duet” performance of the Handel/Halvorsen Passacaglia without resolving to practice more and play better. How about you?
Remember: As long as you keep practicing, today is the worst you’ll ever be!
Gear, Strings | Mark November 6, 2009 | 
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