This is the practice of crafting stringed
instruments, such as a violin or guitar. Lutherie is commonly
divided into two main categories: makers of plucked or strummed
string instruments or makers of stringed instruments that are bowed,
which may require the additional help of an archetier. An archetier
is someone skilled in the crafting of bows.
Experimental luthiers are craftsman who design string instruments
with altered parts, or who create new and original instruments as
are commonly used in the rock and jazz genres. Most instruments are
never replicated or mass produced on a scale like the guitar or
violin. However, additions to major instruments, such as the
original vibrato bar become a vital part of the instrument.