Postmodern Guitars

Whilst browsing Stewart-MacDonald I saw an intriguing DVD called Gourmet Guitars. This is the first in a DVD series of documentaries on contemporary guitar makers (luthiers). The first features three makers, Fine Resophonic, Pagelli (who have some stunning jazz guitars) and Tueffel.

Ulrich Teuffel’s short essay The electric guitar has lost its myth is a thought-provoking read.

“Every good luthier knows with which construction and material a certain sound is obtained. The artistry lies in giving the instrument a very distinct appearance or effect along with the sound. I see my instruments as absolute. This means that every instrument has a certain symbolic meaning and function in the Pop-complex. One can compare this to the clothing that we wear. We select clothing according to function, e.g. job, sport, winter clothing, etc., as well as according to an expression of fashion with which we then distinguish ourselves. So will one, as a musician, decide which statement he wants to achieve with his choice of instrument.”