Tips on Buying a Custom Instrument
There are many fine instrument builders working today. When you are shopping you will notice that some instruments are priced extremely high. I consider my own instruments to be expensive, but there are many out there at much higher prices. Be aware that the highest price does not necessarily mean the best quality in the custom instrument world. Many great luthiers are not out to set new price records. You really need to look around and ask some important questions.
If you are buying an instrument as art rather than as a functional musical piece, then just look for the most creative looking thing you can find. The structure and longevity of the piece probably won't matter. But, if you want a truly good instrument, you should become knowledgeable about some of the new trends in luthiery.
There is a movement in luthiery to apply as much pearl. abalone, and other precious material as possible as ornamentation. The advent of the laser and CNC machines has made this possible, cheaply, regardless of levels of craftsmanship. Laser inlay is done with paper thin materials, and while it can be very pretty, it may not have much of a functional life. All instruments need repair along the road, and repair or restoration will be very difficult on pieces having a lot of fancy laser inlay. Those of us, like myself, who still do the traditional style of inlay using thicker materials feel that our instruments will hold up better to the ravages of time. If however you are simply buying an art piece, this may not be a factor.
Today many instruments are assembled from parts that are produced outside the craftsman's shop. Lasers can do the inlay and artistic carving work and CNC machines can make the necks and various other parts. At times some luthiers send out their instruments to be finished by others, and etc. This is not a problem for most buyers, but if you are the type that likes to have work from an individual craftsman, you might ask some questions about who does the work.
Last, but probably most important is the actual construction of the instrument. Has the instrument been made under properly controlled humidity conditions? How has the neck been attached? Is it simply glued on with no joint, or is there some kind of traditional joint there( Many builders argue that glue is just as good as true craftsmanship. I don't happen to agree, but it is a controversial issue in luthiery.)? What kind of finish is on it ( Very important as many new types of finishes are almost unrepairable.)?What kind of glue was used to build the instrument (Epoxy glues are also very difficult to deal with in repair situations)? Is the maker aware of the actual moisture content of the wood he works with?
There are many other questions that could be asked, but my point is that you should be educated on at least some of the important issues when shopping for an instrument. I wish you the best of luck and am always available to answer questions on this topic if I can.