FAQ

What is LuthierDB?
LuthierDB is a database about Luthiers. A luthier is one who makes stringed instruments like Lute, Guitar, Violin, Mandolin etc. However, initially at least, LuthierDB will be a database about Guitar makers.

Who are you?
I am Mitesh Patel, a Chemistry graduate and Guitar Enthusiast from India. My other interests include Movies, Music, Literature, Computer Graphics, Vintage Motorbikes etc.

So, Why did you created LuthierDB?
I love guitars. 2 years back I came to know what a luthier is, and since I wanted to make a guitar for myself, I kept on collecting information regarding Luthiers and Guitar Building. Recently, I decided to document this information in form of a blog. So here it is.

Can't I instead go to the Luthier's site directly?
Sure, if you know the name of the luthier or address of the site. In fact, the purpose of this blog (as of now) is to provide cursory information on (hopefully) most luthiers around the globe and direct the readers to the luthier's site may they wish to know more. However, it's easy to come here and browse through the archives than search the internet for the same purpose.

What information is contained in your posts?
Every post in this blog is about a particular luthier, whose name is in the title of the post. The content introduces the luthier briefly, the models offered by him, sound clips (click to listen), photographs (click to enlarge) of some of his work and links to various pages on the luthiers site (at the end of the post), whatever is available.

How to navigate/find information on LuthierDB?
The "Home" page shows a slideshow on top and recent posts. Click on the title of any post or the "Read more »" link to read it. The "Archives" page lists titles of all the posts (Luthier Name : Enterprise Name) listed alphabetically. The entries in the list are linked to relevant posts. Further, you can use google custom search, which is available upon clicking the magnifier icon on top right corner.

Why some posts have more images and some have less/none?
The number of images in a particular post depends upon the availability of images on Luthier's own site or google, and the format. Rest assured, I did my best, whatever I could. Nevertheless, I will continually direct my efforts in improving every aspact of LuthierDB.

How do I keep updated with new/updated material on LuthierDB?
You may follow LuthierDB on Facebook or Twitter, in which case, new/updated posts will be notified to you on your wall and twitter page respectively. The links (buttons) to facebook and twitter pages of LuthierDB are on right border of the screen, visible on every page of LuthierDB. Once you are on respective pages, to follow on facebook - click 'Like' button and to follow on twitter - become a follower.

How do I share LuthierDB posts with my friends?
You may use ShareThis widget (a line of buttons at the bottom of every post, above comments section). I think the widget covers all social sharing options available.

I want you to feature a Luthier not already in LuthierDB, how to go about it?
Just give me the name and info on his site in comments section of "Archives" page. I will do the rest.

I like a particular luthier and I want to praise/recommend/promote/advance/advertise/plug (for) him. Can I do it here?
As far as your purpose is honest, and you do it without any ill intensions to other luthiers, sure. You can write whatever your heart makes you to in the comments section of the post about the luthier you like. If you could be so much kind, also put your email or website info for others to contact you in case of queries. In any case, take care that the comments section does not become a battleground.

I want to publish a review of a guitar from a particular Luthier. Can I do it here?
Just like above answer, yes, you are welcome to do so, as far as your review does not bash anybody/anything. If the luthier is already featured here, you may add your review in the comments section. If not, Let me know about the luthier, I will feature him/her and then you can add your review in the comments section. Please leave some sort of contact information to give your review some authenticity/credibility.

How can I comment?
Comments are powered by DISQS, if you already know it. To comment, you need to be logged in using Google, OpenId, Facebook, Yahoo or Twitter account. I am not moderating comments now, but may the need arise, will do in future.

Where is the discussion page?
There is no discussion page/forum on LuthierDB as of now, however, you may treat every post as a separate thread and use the comments section to discuss matters concerning the particular Luthier (or his guitars) the post is about. Be ultra-careful to be nice to others, please!

I have a bitter experience about a luthier, can I post it here to alert others?
Although your intensions are good, you may alert others in a more effective way by posting it on guitar forums/discussion boards. Please do not post anything negative about the luthiers here. So, to be clear, if you want to post, only good things are to be posted.

Why the site is very slow?
Most pages on this site contain large amount of pictures, which take longer time to load, plus, the pictures are pulled from different servers, so extra delay for server trips is added. Nonetheless, I have gone an extra mile to ensure that the site is as fast as it can be for average internet connections. If you have a very slow internet connection, let your browser cache the images first, and then revisit the page.

Though images take longer time to load, I figured anything related to guitars is incomplete without images. Further, the whole business of putting images is tricky and troublesome due to variety in sizes, formats etc. These were the reasons why initially I decided not to put images at all, but later took the plunge, and I'm glad I did so. When you see an image, you can enlarge it by clicking it. The image will enlarge in a prettyPhoto gallery. Explore different functions of the gallery/slideshow!

I like what you are doing. How can I help?
Well, there are a few things you can do.
:: Report broken links, may you find any.
:: Provide your feedback by comments in relevant posts/sections.
:: Let me know about Luthiers, not already featured on LuthierDB.
:: If you know of any build threads on public forums, Let me know and I will link them here.
:: Help me rectify inaccuracies, may you find any, by letting me know (by comments).
:: Suggestions are always welcome!

That's okay, but I still want to help, where is the donate button?
There is none, and never will be. Now that you are reading this, I guess you really like LuthierDB. If so, share the site with your friends/community. The more people LuthierDB reaches, the better it will be!

Where is the 'Privacy Policy'? Where are 'disclaimers'?
Follow these links: Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

You say you wanted to make a Guitar! Where is it?
I am yet to build one, and I don't think it is going to realize in near future, nonetheless, when I do, I will add one post here for myself as well, Ha, Ha!

My question is not here, what can I do?
Shoot it below in the comments section.