By Doron Markowitz

Mark Erlewine, of Erlewine Guitars in Austin, Texas

Hello again, and welcome to the ninth installment of Luthier’s Corner. As I mentioned in the last issue, I have decided to take a somewhat different approach for the next several installments by interviewing various luthiers, and guitar players that have built their own guitars, from around the world so that you, my readers, could get to know them better, and gain deeper insight into the company, maker, or player that you either regard highly, or not know much about. For this issue, I interviewed Mark Erlewine, of Erlewine Guitars in Austin, Texas. He is most known for the famous headless guitar, the Erlewine Laser, played, most famously by the legendary Johnny Winter.


Doron: Hello Mr. Erlewine, and thank you very much for taking the time to sit with me to talk about the art of lutherie. I appreciate your time. First off, let me say that it is an honor to be corresponding with you like this! Tell me a little bit about how you got started crafting guitars.

Mark: When I was 19 I apprenticed to my cousin, Dan Erlewine, at his shop in Ypsilanti, MI.  After a year we became partners, and then I bought him out of the business 2 years after that when he went to work for Herb David.  I moved the shop to Austin in 1974 and I have been here ever since.

Doron: The Laser is a fascinating guitar. How did it come about? 

Mark: I had designed the Chiquita, a shorter scale travel guitar with Billy Gibbons, and wanted to design a full scale, lightweight guitar that would also be easy to travel with.  Ned Steinberger had come out with his headless bass guitar and I wanted to apply that headless design to a regular guitar.

Doron: Did you do any other type of wood working before beginning to craft guitars? 

Mark: I was exposed to wood working through my father who did woodworking and carpentry when I was growing up.


Doron: What was it that made you decide to devote your life to crafting instruments?  

Mark: I found that I truly enjoy doing something that is useful and brings joy to those who use it.  That includes both repairing and building guitars.  It is very satisfying to bring an instrument back to its full potential.

Doron: Did you find that the guitars on the market lacked something that you thought you could improve upon, which made you decide to become a luthier? 

Mark: There are many wonderful guitar designs on the market, but I realized that there was an opportunity to create a guitar that blended the very best in sound and tone along with a comfortable design and feel.

Doron: How long have you been crafting stringed instruments? 

Mark: 42 years.

Doron: What do you look for in tone woods?

Mark: I tend to stay with the classics, such as mahogany and maple for a carved top, set neck, Les Paul-type sound.  For a Tele-type guitar, I prefer swamp ash with a maple neck.  For acoustics, I like mahogany and spruce for the mellow, old Gibson or Martin tones.

Doron: Are there things unrelated to the guitar that inspire a new idea or concept that you incorporate into guitar building, like certain architecture, or nature, etc?  

Mark: I really try to focus on the tone/sound and the comfort aspects, as well as incorporating the individual input of the client.

Doron: What is your philosophy in regards to guitar crafting? 

Mark: I believe it is important to enjoy what you do, and that will come through in the final product.  I love designing, building and repairing guitars, and being able to give my customers a quality product.

Doron: I noticed that handcrafted guitars are equal parts instrument and artwork/sculpture. How long did it take you to hone your carving skills, and what was the most difficult carving you have done to date? 

Mark: I spent the first 3 years developing those skills, and I would say I have spent the years since continuously working to improve them.   What comes to mind as the most difficult job was a violin, scroll-type peghead for a fretless bass I built for a customer.

Doron: How long does it typically take you to build a guitar for an average client?

Mark: The individual instrument can vary, but I try to allot 6 months on average to complete a guitar.

Doron: Is the entire guitar handcrafted, or do you use CNC machines for any part?   

Mark: I use various shop tools, but do not use any CNC machines when I build a guitar.

Doron: Being a luthier myself, I find that I love the smell of exotic woods as I cut and shape them. What are some of your favorite species of woods, scent-wise?  

Mark: I think old growth, black walnut has a wonderful smell.

Doron: What are some of your favorite species of woods to work with, carving-wise? 

Mark: I enjoy working with Mahogany and Korina.

Doron: Have you ever encountered a project that seemed too much of a challenge for you to take on? 

Mark: Not yet!

Doron: For anyone out there, thinking of a career in lutherie, what kind of advice would you give them?

Mark: It can be a difficult career to get into, but I believe either apprenticing to a good luthier or going to a good luthier school will provide the first step to getting your foot in the door at a guitar store.  Be patient and do quality work.

Doron: How can someone order a guitar from you? 

Mark: They can call me at 512-302-1225 or email me at mark@erlewineguitars.com

Doron: Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk with me today, Mr. Erlewine. I greatly appreciate it. Before we go, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? 

Mark: Thank you for this opportunity!

Doron: Thanks again.

OK so, I hope you enjoyed this month’s Corner and feel a bit more informed. If I have answered any questions or curiosities that you had prior to reading this, then I did my job. Once again, thanks for reading my column and remember no task worth accomplishing is ever achieved if not pursued with fierce dedication. Believe in yourself, and make happen that glorious noise called music! Until next time, remember, there is nothing you can't do if you set your mind to it! Cheers!!



D Guitars Miami has been a full-service repair and manufacturing shop since 1988 serving South Florida with the highest attention to detail one can expect. No job too big or small. Whether you need pickups replaced, new frets, a total refinish, broken head stock rebuilt, or just want a custom crafted instrument built to your exacting specifications, D Guitars Miami can do it all, from acoustic, to electric, guitar or bass. (305) 896-1811 dguitarsmiami@yahoo.com
 
blog comments powered by Disqus
 
 
 
Bookmark and Share
© Copyright since 2011 - Legal Notices