Summary
Many players like the idea of owning a handmade guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, or other instrument, but talk themselves out of it. The usual thought is simple. “I am not good enough yet.” or “It’s a bit of an indulgence.”
That hesitation is common. It can keep a player circling the same decision for years, while waiting lists grow longer and prices rise.
A handmade instrument is not only for professionals. It is for players whose music matters to them, and who would enjoy owning an instrument that encourages them to play more.
That does not mean everyone should order one. If there are unpaid bills, debts, or other responsibilities, those come first. But if the money is genuinely available, and music is central to your life, an instrument that keeps you inspired is not wasteful.
Core Idea
You do not need to be a professional player to justify a handmade instrument. You need to be a serious enough player that the instrument will be used, enjoyed, and allowed to help you grow.
The Common Hesitation
A lot of players feel drawn to handmade instruments, then stop themselves.
They think it would be an indulgence. They imagine handmade guitars are for professionals, or for people who have already reached a certain standard. They look at the cost and decide they are not up to it.
This can go on for years.
I have known people get in touch and say they are not really good enough. Then they come back years later and are horrified that the waiting list is longer and the prices have gone up. The decision never happens.
That is a shame, because the question is not always whether the player is good enough. Sometimes the real question is whether the instrument would make them play more.
What Are You Working For?
There is a practical side to this.
People can spend a lifetime saving and delaying, then find that later life and health take over. There is a point where money that might have brought real enjoyment simply disappears into necessity.
That does not mean being careless with money. It means being honest about what gives life value.
If music is a central part of your life, then spending money on an instrument you will play and enjoy can be a sound decision. Not because it proves anything to anyone else, but because it gives you something that keeps you connected to playing.
Why An Inspiring Instrument Matters
An instrument that inspires you makes you want to play more.
That is not a small thing. The instrument comes out of its case more often. You spend more time with it. You explore more. You listen more closely. You become more involved in the music.
A good instrument does not just flatter you. It also teaches you. It points you in the right direction. It can reveal what you are doing clearly enough that you start to improve.
When an instrument has been made for you, something can shift. The old hesitation about whether you are good enough starts to matter less. You are simply playing more, and enjoying it more.
Is Your Current Instrument Holding You Back
Sometimes a player’s current instrument really is holding them back.
Sometimes it is not.
Before assuming you need a handmade instrument, it is worth getting your current instrument properly set up. A good setup can make a poor instrument playable, and a good instrument much better.
Once that is done, the question becomes clearer. Is the instrument still limiting you? Is it uncomfortable? Does it fight you? Does it fail to produce the sound you are looking for? Does it discourage you from playing?
If the answer is yes, then a better instrument may not be vanity. It may be the right tool for the work you are already trying to do.
You May Already Know The Time Is Right
Some players think about upgrading for years without acting.
They visit websites. They compare makers. They ask questions. Then they talk themselves out of it again.
The words are often the same. “I do not deserve it.” “I am not really good enough.” “That is for proper musicians.”
But if you are playing regularly, if music matters to you, and if your present instrument no longer supports what you are trying to do, the time may be right.
The point is not to buy something expensive for the sake of it. The point is to own an instrument that helps you deepen your love of music.
Is A Handmade Guitar An Indulgence
It can be.
If you have unpaid bills, if you owe people money, or if you have responsibilities that need attention, then yes, ordering a handmade instrument is an indulgence. Sort those things out first.
Do not give a deposit to me, or to any other luthier, if that money should be going somewhere more important.
But if the money is genuinely there, and music is a serious part of your life, then the decision looks different.
An instrument that keeps you inspired is not wasteful. It is a practical investment in the thing you already do and care about.
The Decision Has Changed
Years ago, when I started working as a professional luthier, people were often just pleased to find someone who could make them an instrument.
That is not the problem now.
Now there are many makers. The difficulty is not finding a luthier. The difficulty is deciding which luthier is the right one for you.
That decision matters. You are not just buying an object. You are choosing a maker, a working relationship, and a set of priorities about sound, design, feel, communication, and trust.
Practical Conclusion
Do not dismiss the idea of owning a handmade guitar just because you think you are not good enough. That is often the wrong measure.
A handmade instrument can be right for a player who is still learning, still improving, and still uncertain. The important question is whether it will be played. If it will inspire you, support your music, and make you pick it up more often, then it may be exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a professional player to order a handmade guitar?
No. A handmade instrument is not only for professionals. It can be right for any serious player who will use it and benefit from it.
Is a handmade instrument an indulgence?
It depends on your situation. If the money is genuinely available and music is central to your life, it can be a sound decision.
Should I upgrade before getting my current guitar set up?
Usually, no. A proper setup on your existing instrument is a sensible first step. It can show whether the instrument is genuinely holding you back or simply not adjusted well.
Will a better instrument make me a better player?
An inspiring instrument can make you play more, listen more, and stay more engaged. That can help you improve.
How do I know whether the time is right?
The time may be right if you play regularly, music matters to you, the money is genuinely available, and your present instrument no longer supports what you are trying to do.
Related Topics
You might not need a handmade guitar
About the Maker
Nigel Forster is a professional luthier making handmade guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis, and related instruments. His work is shaped by practical experience, direct observation, and the needs of working musicians.