Are there many female luthiers?
There are a fair number – not as many as there are men. I think there are more female luthiers on the continent (in Europe) than in England. Did you want to be a luthier when you were a child? No, I wanted to be a marine scientist! I studied marine biology but then I switched to instrument making. Whatever I did, I wanted to be hands-on, so I transferred that to my love of music. There must be something about marine scientists and cellos! Did you see our April Fool e-letter about the scuba diving cellist? What skills do you need to be a luthier? Well, it helps if you have woodworking skills. When I started, I learnt woodworking and repair and restoration at the same time which was difficult. I think the skills are patience and problem-solving and it’s good to have a musical ear. Do you play an instrument? I play the guitar and the viola de gamba. I could be a better violin player if I practised and I’m trying to become better on the cello – I can play the G major scale! What’s the wors
