Official Luthiers Forum!

A lot of spot on responses have been given.

The thing about sound is it's an energy wave, and you can also feel it in addition to hearing it.

If Ludwig could overcome his deafness and compose some of the most powerful symphonies in existence, why can't you:?

While you may be impaired in 'hearing' your results, you have options...'listen' to what your body tells you, as you hold a project in your hands and against your body, and listen to the critiques given to you. Simple as that.

I assume you are aware of the mass production algorithm? 10% sound awesome, 10% are dogs, and the rest are on target...e.g. they are all made to the same specs with different pieces of woods.

Heretical talk here: I've built something like 20 guitars. Most of those sold. My formula is light as possible top, light as possible bracing, and I want the top to "ring" when I tap it. It never does when braces arn't carved. So I carve until it does. I can feel it as much as I hear it. Any more than that, and I feel like I'm gilding the lilly at this point in my "career". I tend to focus more on fit & finish. True, I don't want a good looking dud. But my previously mentioned process has served me well. As to OP's question, I do believe a hearing impairment won't be an impediment to build fine guitars. Just have a pro set it up. Best $25-$50 u will ever spend.

Btw, it was John Hall who got me thinking about "fit & finish". Paraphrasing here, but generally what separates builders is fit & finish. Got that from him on my first build (one of his kits). If u look at most of my posts (that I author), it's almost always about fit & finish first, and setup/sound second. Guess I always figured if I got the mechanics correct, the sound would follow.

+1
Craftsmanship is what you see before what you hear. Many crappy looking guitars can sound really good, but don't get taken off the rack for a spin because they look crappy.

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

I can feel a Hesh post comin' on.

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My memory is so good, sometimes I remember things that never happened.

Why?

So have you started yet?

When you first think of this question, it might seem similar to asking if a blind man can paint a landscape scene. Really though, it is more like asking if a person without a tongue can cook a fancy meal. You have plenty of good recipes to work from. All you are lacking is first hand feedback as you develop your process.

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Bryan Bear PMoMC

Take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you.

Not yet, Bryan,
I bought some Mahogany planks last weekend.
I've got three electrics on the bench, one in polishing, and two ready for lacquer.
One is a gift that I must finish soon.
Been thinking a lot about it!
Thanks,
Dan

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