what makes a builder "boutique? "

**barrymclark** · 06-02-2012, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

That's pretty much my point...I doubt that any of the makers who are put into this category by others see it as a badge of honor.

Handmade...small shop...custom shop...independent builder...those are words/phrases to be proud of.

"Boutique" is a term nerdy guys on internet forums can be proud of.

In step with this and Patrick said, I am going to stop using the term boutique nor arguing its applicability on any given company. Makes me feel like a douche. So... yeah. Custom shop.... or any of the terms mentioned BUT boutique.

**Hammertone** · 06-02-2012, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by barrymclark

In step with this and Patrick said, I am going to stop using the term boutique nor arguing its applicability on any given company. Makes me feel like a douche. So... yeah. Custom shop.... or any of the terms mentioned BUT boutique.

You can keep on using it so long as you spell it "booteek".

**Flat** · 06-02-2012, 09:45 PM

The word is French for "shop." To me, it refers to guitars built in a shop as opposed to a factory.

Where you choose to draw the line between "shop" and "factory" is, of course, highly subjective.

**hot ford coupe** · 06-03-2012, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by barrymclark

In step with this and Patrick said, I am going to stop using the term boutique nor arguing its applicability on any given company. Makes me feel like a douche. So... yeah. Custom shop.... or any of the terms mentioned BUT boutique.

Custom shop. Now that's a term I can live with. No negative connotation there.

**rpguitar** · 06-03-2012, 09:41 PM

"Custom shop." Okay, sure. But I'd say that an independent luthier who works by himself and is the only person describing his instruments, emailing/telephoning with you, reviewing specs, building, shipping, collecting your money, and doing follow-up consultation is more (and less) than a "custom shop."

I honestly don't think the word we use matters. It's more useful to qualify and describe each builder, shop, or factory separately on its own terms.

**NSJ** · 06-03-2012, 09:50 PM

"Custom Shop". ---can't think of that word without throwing the "F word" or the "G word" before it. Small, , independent luthier is a-ok by me.

What does this mean? It means that "Erich Solomon, inc" is all booked up for orders for the rest of 2012. If you want to put an offer down, wait til until well past International Mayans Day.