spalt instrument

The 7th, conclusive interview in this epic series - Factory manufactured or luthier made - what's the real difference?

I'm happy to welcome Michael Spalt to the broadcast. Yet another God of Fretted Instruments and my dear brother in arms - a cofounder and the President of the European Guitar Builders association.

Michael and I have discussed a lot about this very topic over the years, among all things related to guitar - such as the ethical dilemmas and paradoxes of practising our profession in this modern age where many of the traditional materials we’ve used have become endangered. We live in a time where the term “hand made” has become a cliché - an empty word granting a higher price for any product, regardless of how it is factually crafted. We’ve discussed endlessly the different facets and effects of globalization and free market capitalism, and how does it all show in our common consuming habits. And... in one way or the other, it all ties in a variety of ways to our very topic: What is the real difference between a mass produced and a luthier built guitar?

A little disclaimer - this broadcast is targeted to all of you who enjoy guitars, be it guitarists, guitar enthusiasts or collectors alike! The program is not about the guitars we make in my company Ruokangas Guitars. I'm doing this for you, who are interested in learning more about your instrument. The brand or monetary value of your guitar makes no difference whatsoever.

Talk to you soon,
Juha