Luthiery, or string instrument building, is a mix of art, science, and magic. The melding of various woods, metals, bone, and composite materials into a piece of functional art. Sometimes finished in wood oils with a warm, natural touch and sound. Other times lacquered to a mirror glow that only 20 coats of finish can give. Custom hand wound pickups for that true dynamic feel, tone, and power that the old vintage "Gift's from the Gods" guitars have. Multi-string, double-neck, harp-guitar, ...........
Little did I know that years ago when I was given my first guitar, (a short scale Fender bass with no bridge or electronics) that I would be building instruments in my future. That bass ended up getting a hand made wood bridge / tailpiece. Hand wound pickups, yeah actually hand wound, now I at least use a winding machine. Various other pieces and parts hand made or adapted to make it playable. It ended up playing and sounding fantastic. Why not just buy the right parts and bolt it together? I had very little money at the time and my Father always said "If you can't afford to buy it, make it yourself."
What I ended up finding out was that I would become a much better guitar builder than guitar player. There are so many ways to alter the sound and feel of the instrument that there can be as much art in the building process as in the playing of the guitar after it is finished. I was the electric guitar building teacher at Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery for 5 years or so 1985-1991 during that time I built these instruments ....
A few of my creations will be on display on these pages from time to time. As pictures get scanned and time permits. These guitars were all built by hand from the raw wood, and I built them to my own specifications. Much of my work is "one off" in nature and constantly evolving, I do have several "models" or body shapes that I have made more than one of but even they are customs. All images and designs Copyright © 1998 James Wiesner
If you have any comments or wish to contact me about building a guitar for you, Email me...
tyrswood@pacbell.net
......or,
jameswiesner@yahoo.com
The Wizards
Guitars As Art
The Electric Hollowbody
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