|
Maurice Howlett
 I have had a passion for guitars for many years. As an apprentice carpenter in 1967 I built a plywood acoustic, and veneered it with birds eye maple veneer. The end result was visually acceptable, but the sound left a lot to be desired. A far less time consuming, but more successful solid body electric guitar followed this first attempt.
As a person who had a love of guitars and an equal love of wood, it would only be a matter of time before I again attempted to build another instrument. However, that time lapse was approximately 40 years.
In 2005 I joined a group interested in making instruments, and under the patient guidance of local luthier Alan Warburton, I completed my first real acoustic guitar. The excitement at hearing that first sound and playing an instrument that you have made yourself can only be experienced by those who have achieved it. The feeling is indescribable. I was smitten by the guitar making bug (or disease as my wife calls it).
Having since completed twelve guitars, I find myself becoming far more adventurous by experimenting with different designs, wood, and construction techniques, always striving for better sound. The results are sometimes rewarding, sometimes disappointing. However, the anticipation and excitement of that first sound was equally as strong on the twelfth guitar as it was on the first.
The PIAF Play Makers weekend in 2008 was an invaluable opportunity for myself to not only learn more about instrument making but to meet other makers and people involved in the industry and it broadened my horizons.
I have only two regrets in guitar making: Being a poor player, I wish I had been taught at an early age, and, becoming involved in instrument making so late in life.
Email Maurice
Back to the makers page
Back to top
|
