Woodworking: What is the Process of Becoming a Luthier?
Since 2006, Maikel has been an influential presence in the guitar-making scene. Training as a luthier for 4 years at the International Luthier School in Antwerp, he then decided to create his own business. His journey began with acoustics and, over time, he expanded his repertoire to include electric guitars. Exploring with various wood varieties and familiarising himself with respected metal guitar brands like Mayones and Padalka.
Under the brand name WelGuitars, Maikel has earned recognition for producing high-quality instruments that resonate with musicians worldwide. His approach centres on detail and design.
Each Wel Guitar possesses its own distinctive character. At the moment he is industriously working on seven new guitar orders, each featuring fine woods and burl tops. These guitars are on track to be completed by year’s end.
What materials and tools did you use to create your project and why did you choose them?
Maikel relies on the WEST SYSTEM® A pack along with the 205 Fast Hardener® for his guitar-making process. This combination serves two essential purposes: first, he uses it to glue fretboards onto the neck, ensuring a strong bond. Secondly, he utilises it to fill gaps and voids in the burl tops. One of the key advantages he discovered when using WEST SYSTEM epoxy was that it doesn’t introduce any additional moisture to the wood during gluing. This is crucial because every piece of wood he uses for guitars has undergone years of drying to achieve optimal stability.
How do you achieve a balance between aesthetics and functionality in your guitar designs?
Maikel has a distinct preference for both the modern designs of metal guitars and the timeless look of classic ones. This preference is accentuated when the guitars are made from premium materials.
His personal collection reflects this two-fold affection, combining elements from both styles. “I try to get the more modern feel from the finish of the guitar by adding stains and colours to the wood to make the grain pop and show what wood can become on a guitar.”
Were there any unexpected challenges or setbacks during the making process? If so, how did you overcome them?
The process of guitar creation and being a luthier is always brought with unexpected twists and turns. At times, the wood chooses a different path, leaving Maikel to devise a new strategy in order to achieve the intended result. This, in his view, is what injects excitement into the process, “you have to keep learning and push yourself to the next level at all times.”
As the next year draws near, a significant milestone is on the horizon – the 10th anniversary of the guitar brand, Wel Guitars. To commemorate this special event, two anniversary guitars will be created, using only the finest woods, carefully selected for their construction.
What advice would you give to anyone else looking to become a luthier?
Maikel recommends to “seek out guitar technicians or builders who are open to offering assistance or taking on interns.” There’s a wealth of knowledge to be gained from others. If that’s not an option, “begin with inexpensive guitars or guitar kits”.
He also accentuates that you shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re valuable learning opportunities. In today’s digital age, a plethora of information is readily available online. While not all of it may be accurate, it’s important to discover your own unique approach to things.
For those also based in Netherlands, you can easily order WEST SYSTEM from our local distributor below:
NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM & LUXEMBOURG
Epifanes/W.Heeren & Zoon BV
Postbus 166, 1430 AD Aalsmeer.
T: +31297360366
F: +31297342078
E: info@epifanes.nl
W: www.epifanes.nl
For other EU customers find your local distributor here…
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