Bill, never? That's a long time.
We master stuff in life all the time.
Like standing and walking, but we still fall down.
Like riding a bicycle, without getting grass stains on the knees of our jeans.
And in other endeavors such as playing piano, guitar, or cello. Truth is with a mastery of any skill, there is always going to be someone better than you. Doesn't mean you haven't "mastered" the medium.
So, yes, I believe right here on this forum there are some master guitarmakers among us. I agree with your premise a little. A great player will pick up one of our guitars and he'll be the judge of our skill.
Even Stradivari had his duds, with all his skill he produced the occasional sleeper.
Becoming a master is more perspiration than inspiration, but you need both. My work has made me sick, I have a persistent cough due to wood dust in my shop. So, on my way to becoming a master guitarmaker, I've had to master dust eradication in the process.
All of us have the potential of mastering the craft. Some will rise to greatness, if they are successful, due to their enthusiasm and doggedness. Others will get lucky, right place right time sort of thing, plus they have good building chops too. Others with equivalent skills will fade away.
Age matters too. The clock is ticking for many of us, so you young builders, hang in there, keep at it, never give up, stand on the shoulders of those you respect and admire, won't hurt a thing.
Bill, there is even hope for you and I.....
