Essential Question: Does using hand tools and traditional woodworking methods to make a bass create a strong artistic connection between me and the instrument?
Statement of Definition: For my Senior Project I will design and build a semi-hollow bass guitar using traditional woodworking methods and tools.
Overview: I see my project materializing as a semi-hollow, carved, set neck, electric bass. I have been researching and teaching myself luthiery (which is the art of creating stringed instruments) for about four years now. I have successfully repaired and modified a number of my own and the school’s stringed instruments. I also have been involved with woodworking for a large part of my life, whether that be helping my dad with projects or creating projects of my own. Woodworking has been a big part of my life and has taught me how to free my creativity, deal with my mistakes. I hope to gain a better understanding of handcraft and learn how to properly use hand tools to create a highly polished final product.
Timur, I really like your essential question. I think it gets to the heart of skilled crafts and making (i.e., that there is a clear connection between the maker and what is being made). It is a synergistic relationship and fundamentally different from those objects that are not handmade.