Questions: Stringed Instrument Tone

by Cyndy Burton

Originally published in American Lutherie #82, 2005

 

Jason Kirby of cyberspace asks:

I'd love to start learning how to create stringed instruments with a gorgeous tone. What advice would you give a beginner who doesn't know the first thing?

Cyndy Burton of Portland, OR responds:

This is still the number one question I get, and I bet lots of you get this one, too. I hope my brief answer is helpful.

Go to https://luth.org/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/. Your question is answered there a couple different ways.

My quick answer is that it depends on how you learn best, how quickly you want to learn, and how much time and money you have to invest. There are lots of books and videos available now that make it very possible to start on your own. Some people prefer to take a course, interact, be shown, have a teacher nearby. Schools are excellent for that, but, of course, have a bigger price tag. ◆