I agree that criticism from professional peers is much more
constructive that that from customers or players who may know what they
want to hear or see personally, but really don't have the education in
lutherie to offer such productive input.
I'm sure those of you who attend the major shows have gotten to see
and perhaps fall prey to some of the self appointed "critics of everyone
else's work". I've heard from several builders who attend the shows call
them "the guitar police" or the "three blind mice" or the "emperors with
the new clothes" after being attacked, harshly reviewed or even outwadly
insulted by them as they make their rounds offering to listen to the
builder play and then critique their guitar's tone. They've established
somewhat of a following of unknowing players who will listen to them for
no other reason than they don't know any better.
The funny thing is that I've seen the work of most of the folks these
guys criticize. Well....actually...the really funny thing is that i've seen the
work of some of the self appointed authorities on what constitutes great
tone and great workmanship.....and they fall far short in quality on both
fronts when compared to those they are criticizing.
I recently had a long phone conversation with one of my favorite
people on the planet who just happens to be one of my favorite guitar
builders as well. They told me how one of the "emperors" asked that they
play the guitar that would best represent their tone and a detailed critique
would be given in return.
They listened for a minute and then flipped the guitar around in a
effort to look like he had a clue as to what he was looking at and said,
"You show real potential tonally with your guitars." I almost blew my milk
out of my nose when I heard this because I've seen and played the work
of both.
The builder who received the hallowed critique from one of the self
proclaimed all knowing authorities on all things lutherie who browse the
show floors looking for likely victims to their inconsiderate and
unprofessional offerings is revered among many of us who have been
doing this for some time and have many guitars under our respective
belts.
On the other hand, I've played guitars from the critic and have
repeatedly tried to give him the benefit of the doubt when looking at
them by thinking (to myself), "Maybe he was having a bad day." or "Maybe
he was in a real hurry to get that done." or even, "Maybe he was on some
strong medication when he worked on this." I'd never say any of them to
the owners of the guitars that I was looking at, but offered a simple, "I'm
glad you got the guitar you wanted."
His work is sloppy, rushed, and, quite honestly, of an entry level quality
in many respects and his tone was nothing to boast about in any case,
but he calls himself one of the finest builders in the world and readily
spews quick cuts and dismissal for the work of builders much more well
received and much more experienced and skillful in the craft than he is.
My point is that, as we look to grow and encourage one another in the
craft of lutherie and professionally as we give constructive criticism to
one another, let it be with sincere consideration and at least a resonable
amount of professionalism. Remember also, to always consider your own
work and its quality in build and tone honestly as you offer any critique
for that of someone else.
Don't be like these guys at the shows who prowl the floor knocking
things over with the huge log protruding from their eye as they look to
pick the tiny splinter from the eye os their peers or competitors. They
don't even realize how foolish they look by doing so, but nobody wants to
come out and tell them for fear of being the next in line for one of their
self serving and self promoting and possibly damaging reviews.
Be nice...be honest...and choose your venue for sharing anything
carefully. Forums may be the right place for certain points to be made,
but many should be conveyed via email, personal message or through a
friendly phone call to avoid the shortcomings of communicating in type.
We're a pretty friendly and approachable bunch who are open to
anything that might help us grow and make a better instrument for our
customers.
Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars
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