Are you good enough to own a handmade guitar?
Many players love the idea of a handmade instrument. A guitar, a bouzouki, a mandolin — something built properly, by hand.
But then the doubt creeps in.
Am I really good enough for something like that? Isn’t it a bit of an indulgence?
If you’ve ever had that thought, you’re not alone. I hear it all the time.
In Brief
• Many players hesitate to commission a handmade instrument because they feel they’re “not good enough”.
• This hesitation can last for years, during which prices rise and waiting lists grow.
• A well-made instrument can inspire you to play more and develop as a musician.
• If music is central to your life and you can afford it responsibly, a handmade instrument is not an indulgence.
• Many players later say they wish they had ordered sooner.
Have you ever caught yourself thinking: I love the idea of a handmade instrument — but I’m not really good enough for one. It would be a bit of an indulgence.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
People who love music often find themselves thinking like this when they start looking at handmade instruments. They see the price, and the doubt creeps in. That’s for professionals, they think.
So the hesitation begins.
People circle the same websites for years, never quite committing. I’ve known players get in touch, say they’re not really good enough, then come back a few years later — only to discover the waiting list is longer and the price has gone up.
And it never happens.
That’s a real shame.
Think about it. What are you working for?
Are you saving everything so you can hand it over to the care home one day?
My brother spent many years in insurance and later worked as a financial adviser. One of the most common things he saw was people not spending money when they were able to enjoy it. Eventually health catches up and suddenly all the money goes somewhere else.
You do have to spend some of it while you can enjoy it.
Owning an inspiring instrument can make a huge difference. When you have a guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, whatever it is, that really speaks to you, it encourages you to play more.
A good instrument doesn’t just flatter you. It guides you.
Every time you pick it up, you want to keep playing. Over time, that makes you a better musician.
I’ve heard the same thing from many clients. Once the instrument arrives, something shifts. The hesitation disappears. The question of whether they were “good enough” simply stops mattering.
They’re just playing.
And the thought becomes: This is exactly what I needed.
Now, you may already be playing a lot and wondering whether your current instrument is holding you back. It might be, or it might not be. As I mentioned in the previous video, it’s worth getting your current instrument properly set up first.
But for some people the hesitation is different. They’ve been thinking about upgrading for years, but keep talking themselves out of it.
I don’t deserve it. I’m not really good enough.
If that sounds familiar, it may simply mean the time is right.
I’ve been collecting testimonials from clients and putting them on the blog. One of the things that comes up repeatedly is how glad people are that they eventually ordered an instrument. Quite a few say they wish they had done it sooner.
One player in Northern Ireland described it as one of the better decisions he’d made in his life.
Now, is it an indulgence?
If you have unpaid bills, or you owe your friends money, then yes, that would be an indulgence. You have other responsibilities and they should come first.
But if you have the money, and music is central to your life, investing in an instrument that keeps you inspired isn’t wasteful at all.
It’s one of the best ways to keep growing as a musician.
When I started as a professional luthier many years ago, people were simply relieved to find someone who could build them an instrument.
That’s not really the problem today.
Today the problem is deciding which maker to work with. There are many good builders out there.
If you’d like some help deciding which luthier might be right for you, I’ve made another video about that.
A Short Guide to Ordering a Handmade Instrument
If you’re thinking about commissioning a handmade instrument, there are a few common questions that nearly everyone goes through. These short videos walk through the most common doubts players have before ordering an instrument.
• You Might Not Need a Handmade Guitar (Yet)
A reality check on when upgrading actually makes sense.
• You Don’t Need to Know Everything Before Ordering a Handmade Guitar
Why you don’t need to decide every specification before contacting a luthier.
• How to Choose the Right Luthier (Without Regretting It Later)
What to look for when deciding which maker to work with.
FAQ
Do you need to be a professional to own a handmade guitar?
No. Many handmade instruments are owned by dedicated amateurs who simply love playing music. What matters is how important music is in your life, not whether you play professionally.
Will a better instrument make me a better player?
A good instrument won’t do the work for you, but it can make playing more enjoyable and responsive. Instruments that inspire you tend to get played more, and that naturally leads to improvement.
Is buying a handmade instrument an indulgence?
It can be if you cannot afford it responsibly. But if your finances are in order and music is an important part of your life, investing in a well-made instrument can be deeply rewarding.
Why do some players wish they had ordered sooner?
Waiting lists and prices often increase over time. Many players also discover that owning an inspiring instrument encourages them to play more than they expected.
Thinking About Commissioning an Instrument?
If you eventually decide to commission a guitar, understanding what you like and dislike about your current instrument helps a luthier build something that truly suits you.
If you’d like to talk about commissioning one from me, you’ll find the contact form at the foot of this page.
From the workshop of Nigel Forster
Nigel Forster has been building guitars, mandolins and Irish bouzoukis since 1988.