By Doron Markowitz
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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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!
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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!!
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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 |
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