A SYNOPSIS

          There is no doubt Appalachia is filled to the brim with talented artisans, musicians, and such other trades. As a passionate musician myself, my research led me to focus on luthiery in Central Appalachia. Luthiery is an old art form in Appalachia which calls upon precision of tools, artisanship, and pure mastery. For generations, Appalachian luthier’s have been considered keepers of tradition while also know as innovators of their craft (“Luthier’s Craft”). From this perspective, luthiers can be viewed as archivists of the musical development in Appalachia, specifically with tradition. The question of my research encompasses not only the tradition of luthiery, but also how luthiery has been affected by modern technological advances as well as if luthiers have had an impact on their local Appalachian town economies.

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          Now, from looking at luthiery from a traditional perspective, can it truly be considered a component in Appalachia? According to Jayne Henderson, daughter of Wayne Henderson, the answer is a definite yes. In my interview with Ms. Henderson, she described how music played with these instruments is deeply rooted to the area. The story of luthiery also revolves around how most people did not have a store to buy things at, and so, they made do with the materials they had (Henderson). Furthermore, the ordeal of passing down a craft from one generation to another shows tradition in its own way. Traditions become traditions by being a highlighted facet within a culture. With that being said, cooking a special recipe passed down from one’s great grandparents can be turned into a tradition. Therefore, not only is luthiery a part of Appalachian tradition, but it is also a reminder to learn from those before you.

            On the point of whether modern technology has created any competition for luthiers, Ms. Henderson was able to offer insider knowledge. Ms. Henderson addressed the topic of modern technology as, “A lot of luthiers are embracing the technology though and using it for their own builds.” Thus, this statement goes to show luthiers are adapting technology and incorporating it into their craft. Ms. Henderson goes further by giving an example of modern technology, a CNC machine. The CNC machine is able to cut inlay for guitars and make the process faster. However, Ms. Henderson states, “As the tradition aspect comes back into play, a lot of people appreciate and prefer my hand done inlay work to that of a more modern machine.” Therefore, technology has only helped luthiers with their craft and again, people like tradition.

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          Luthiery has become vast field, meaning there are many craftsmen available. Due to this wide availability, current and aspiring luthiers may face their own economic struggles. Given there are many luthiers, and the products made are durable for at least 10 years, luthiers often find they cannot support themselves only on luthiery (Jacobson). In the words of experienced luthier Paul Jacobson, “… it does mean that you have to resolve to be the best, whatever that requires…” Additionally, well-known luthier Doug Naselroad mentions that because luthiery is such an involved process, the marketplace for it is far down the road (Naselroad). What these two statements go to show is most luthiers do not bring much economic development to their Appalachian hometowns.

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          On the other hand, when one views the unprecedented success of Wayne Henderson, personal economic troubles go out the door. As a worldwide renowned luthier, one of Henderson’s hand-crafter guitars can sell between $3,000 to $5,000 (Smith). Along with his guitars featuring intricate designs, the instrument’s tone, volume, and resonance gives Henderson his respect from customers. Furthermore, Henderson roughly makes only 20 guitars a year which results in a waiting list over eight years for customers (Moses). Similarly, his daughter, Jayne Henderson, has become a star luthier herself. Previously an environmental lawyer, Ms. Henderson incorporates environmental ethics when making her guitars in order to help preserve the depletion of exotic wood, such as Brazilian rosewood (Sewell).

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          Along with the personal success of Henderson, he also brings economic growth to the Appalachian communities which he is a part of. One specific community Henderson’s fame goes to serve is Grayson County, VA where his guitar shop is located (Smith). Not only does his shop bring in capital and tourism to the county, but Henderson’s annual music festival, held in Grayson Highlands State Park, also provides a source of revenue (“Wayne Henderson”). All of the funds raised from the festival is donated back to the community (Henderson). The festival supports local musicians and the State Park from bringing in thousands of visitors to the county. There are also various local school’s which students may pay a few grand to learn luthiery from Wayne Henderson himself or other luthiers (Henderson).

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          Overall, the research conducted from this project has led me to the conclusion that luthiery is ingrained in the Appalachian tradition. Luthiery is not a mere past time, it is a way to represent place and one’s culture. Although luthiery is part of tradition, it also requires innovation. Modern advancements in technology have only benefited luthiers and has allowed them to excel in their craft. If a luthier is able to excel in their craft and become “the best”, they are most likely to help bring economic development to their communities. I have learned through this project to keep tradition in my heart as well as to keep my own rhythm.