How come some builders are so good... so fast?

[grandmainger]

From another thread, people expressed doubts about the ability of certain builders to create good/great mandolins early in their careers. (Not the point of this here thread mind you!)

I'm thinking about Lynn Dudenbostel's #005, but there may be others.I was wondering how it is possible that some luthiers like him can produce top-spec instruments so early.
Presumably, one would need a deep understanding of mando-making before they're able to make professional-grade instruments... or is it simply a gift?

[Chris Baird]

It is my understanding that Lynn spent quite awhile studying actuall Loar mandolins. He also built a number of guitars before mandolins. It does take time with everyone. Of course, some are just better than others.

[Jim Rowland]

Before I go way out on a limb here,let me make this clear. Lynn Dudenbostel is a great luthier,builds some great mandolins,and has no greater admirer than I. That said I begin by pointing out that he has been interested in string instruments for most of his life,is an experienced luthier, and has hung around venues where the greats played and looked and listened well. He has studied the instruments closely and he is a careful and thorough craftsman..AND..he understands the subtleties of marketing better than most. The most influential salient of his success derives from having placed a mando he knew to be a good one into the hands of a young man who just happened to be on the cusp of an illustious career as a player genius and who was soon to participate in a watershed album which credited Lynn with the authorship of the mandolin used theron. A teaching CD by the same young genius has a section devoted to the instrument and its builder. That kind of billboard you cannot buy. The recent series on DIY adds momentum to the Dude story. The lesson for all of us is: get your mandos to the boys and girls with the good ears and hands and let them tell you how good or bad it is instead of vice versa. That's one way to speed up the progress. Otherwise,you may end up like Mr. Loar...eminently recognized,but dead. Just my humble opinion,which,obviously is not humble at all.
Jim

[Luthier]

If I could just throw in my two cents....
One really should obtain some woodworking skills / knowledge as well prior to undertaking building an instrument. Even some easy rudimentary skills would give a person a jump start.

Don

[Bradley]

Wasnt Mr.Dudenbostal a machinist as well before getting into the Mando Making business?

[Jim Rowland]

It may be that he had machinist skills,but I believe he was involved in industrial security work at the time of his transition into full time luthier work.
Jim

[krishna]

What about learning all about wood before you even started? Brian Dean's mandos are allready amazing and he has'nt even built 20 yet.