Five Minutes with Bryan Galloup of Galloup Guitars Artisan Guitar Show: At the heart of a handcrafted instrument is its tonewood. The wood used to create a finely handcrafted guitar must meet a few criteria: unique tonal qualities, physical stability for longevity, and of course aesthetic beauty. The question is “how hard is it to source these acceptable tonewoods, and is it only growing more and more difficult?” Bryan Galloup: To make world class instruments, the parameters are very tight in order to achieve the level of tone desired by a world class performer. The tonewood I use is out there, and readily available for a maker who builds 20 to 40 guitars a year. That is to say, if you know what you are looking for. I have developed software that dictates the use of my tonewoods based on stringent sonic and structural parameters. The use of this technology can even expand the use of some tonewoods in my library that others might have overlooked. It’s the larger manufacturers that will find it more difficult to source the desired “industry standard” tonewoods. These companies will most certainly have to resort to alternative tonewoods for their instrument’s back and sides in the near future. Soundboards are another issue. It will be very hard to find a tonal replacement for tonewoods such as spruce in the future. Artisan Guitar Show: Computer-Assisted Voicing is a Galloup proprietary process that combines traditional voicing techniques with modern methods. Introducing truly modern technology to an art, that in the past has largely been one of hand-crafting, requires a delicate balance. How do you think technology will impact guitar making in the future? Bryan Galloup: In the very near future, all instrument making will be assisted by a software based approach, at one level or another. In another time, instrument making was a linked chain of information handed down from master to apprentice. Currently, that system no longer exists at the level needed to keep up with the demand of world class instruments, and the skilled luthiers who can make them. I can’t speak for any other systems that may be out there, but my Computer-Assisted Voicing approach re-links that “master to apprentice” approach, combining centuries of lutherie knowledge with fingertip speed, calculating sensitive information at the correct time and for the correct reasons. Galloup GUITARS TM Artisan Guitar Show: The Galloup School of Guitar Building and Repair is internationally respected. You have been training guitar makers for 25 years. Do you feel that the craft can be taught to anyone with an interest, or does it require some innate, natural talent to become a successful guitar maker? Bryan Galloup: Lutherie can be taught to any individual with a desire to learn the craft, but success can be evaluated at many different levels. First, one would have to define the phrase “successful luthier” to understand what they are referring to. Are you talking about a high-end acoustic, archtop, or electric guitar maker, or are you referring to a light manufacturing system, or lean/high volume corporation? There are other options like, being a guitar tech for a large music chain, a small music store, or being on the road touring as a guitar tech for a major performer, might be one’s idea of success. So with this in mind, being able to succeed in lutherie has never been more likely of an option than in today’s market. In my school, I find many different levels of skill walking through the door. Some hit the ground running, and some need a little extra attention, but this never seems to define the level of craftsman any student might become. Some students progress as expected; they are promising students coming in, and they are incredible going out, but some of our most challenged students still end up being some of today’s most talented luthiers. Artisan Guitar Show: Guitar making is an art, and guitar makers by nature are a solitary group who spend countless hours alone in the shop. Yet, one of the most interesting things about the guitar-making world is the profound sense of community and the generosity of spirit when it comes to helping one another and sharing knowledge. How do you balance practicing a deeply personal craft while sharing it with the world through your school? Bryan Galloup: Most of the luthiers I hang with operate at a pretty high level, and run wide open for the most part. Every one of them shares the same open door policy as me, and all of their shops are the same as mine…an old school guitar shop. The trend in guitar making over the past few decades has been all about some high speed, low drag, latest and greatest trick that’s going to make guitars sound better. In reality, we’re still trying to figure out what made the instruments from the classic area of the 20th century sound so killer. The sharing of information you are referring to is, in actuality, the continuous collaboration that forms a healthy community. I have found that an open door policy is the only way to operate. If someone needs help, you give them a hand, and in return someday those very same people will return the favor. Artisan Guitar Show: Please name three recordings that you think would be a great addition to any music library or collection. Bryan Galloup: Tony Rice, Sings Gordon Lightfoot BB King, Live at the Regal Mike Bloomfield, Live at the Old Waldorf 26 | artisanguitarshow.com
Stephen Showalter Owner & Builder "We specialize in LOCAL Wood" 6074 Williamsburg Road Linville, VA 22834 (540) 820-1525 http://www.showalterguitars.com Visit us on Facebook @ShowalterGuitars artisanguitarshow.com | 27
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