Ever Wonder Why...

[zabdart]

Did you ever wonder why independent artisans who build acoustic guitars are called "luthiers," while independent artisans who build solid-body electric guitars are simply "guitar builders?"

I often hear the terms used interchangeably when referring to acoustic guitar builders (see, I just did it), so I really don't think it's some kind of favoritism or anything

[scuzbucket]

Acoustics are harder to build so they get a fancier name.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by zabdart

Did you ever wonder why independent artisans who build acoustic guitars are called "luthiers," while independent artisans who build solid-body electric guitars are simply "guitar builders?"

I was not aware that this was happening.

[DesertTwang]

Originally Posted by zabdart

Did you ever wonder why independent artisans who build acoustic guitars are called "luthiers," while independent artisans who build solid-body electric guitars are simply "guitar builders?"

Maybe because it seems that pretty much anybody can build an electric that produces at least some kind of guitar-like sound, provided they have the tools and some basic knowledge. That doesn't seem to be the case with acoustics.

[MikeBmusic]

Wiki:
A luthier (/ˈluːtiər/ LOO-ti-ər)[1] is someone who makes or repairs string instruments. The term originally referred specifically to makers of lutes. The term is used interchangeably with any term that refers to a specific, or specialty, type of stringed instrument, such as violin maker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc