LUTHIERS IN APPALACHIA WELCOMES YOU!

LUTHIERY: A CRAFT IN APPALACHIA

Throughout the semester, the class has discussed and explored Appalachian music. Topics viewed included looking at the differences between bluegrass and old time, newgrass, protest songs, and tin pan alley songs. Numerous artists and songs were introduced, who of which, expressed the trials and tribulations of the Appalachian region, such as The Local Honeys with their song Cigarette Trees. While analyzing these musical topics, I found myself asking, “How has music shaped Appalachia?” From starter research, Appalachia has a very diverse range of music history from its African American roots to the development of the dulcimer (Hook). Thus, to narrow my scope of research, I began to look at the instruments themselves. It was at that point I stumbled across luthiery, the making of stringed instruments by hand.

            For my research question, I wanted to examine if and how luthiers have become ‘keepers of tradition' in Appalachia. Furthermore, I wanted to know if the craft of luthiery brought any economic development to the luthier’s Appalachian town and if modern technology offered any competition. While I researched the history and tradition of luthiery, one name continuously appeared, Wayne Henderson. Therefore, I decided to shift my research to add in Henderson’s massive success as a luthier. My research question then became, “In conjunction with Wayne Henderson, how has “keeping tradition” played a role in luthiery, has luthiery been challenged by modern technology, and what impact has luthiery had on the present-day economy of towns of artisans in Central Appalachia?”