Customer Reviews

A Guitarmaker's Canvas: The Inlay Art of Grit Laskin

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As an amatuer guitar builder I am very interested in the techniques used by other luthiers in their inlay process. This book provided many beautiful pictures of the inlay work of Grit Laskin however it really did not get into enough details for doing the inlay work itself.

I would recommend this book for those that are gutiar lovers that want to enjoy pictures of beautiful inlay art work. However, I would not recommend it for the luthier that is seeking knowledge on how to improve their inlay work.

Over the years, Grit Laskin has made impressive contributions to the craft of inlay and of guitarmaking. In doing so, he has elevated both to the level of art. His beautiful new book is an in depth perspective on his art. One of the most respected masters in the field, Laskin, is a recipient of Canada's prestigious Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence In The Crafts and a founder of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (ASIA). His book, which features a stunning collection of photos of his work, is another gift to the art.

Laskin begins with a brief biographical sketch which is low keyed, the opening section included photos of Laskin's first basement shop and subsequent modest facilities. We also learn about the artists approach to guitar construction as separate from the inlay process and to the business of guitarmaking. Much of this first section focuses on the collaborative web independent guitarmaking scene of Toronto in the 70's and 80's and the synergy between Laskin, Larrivée and De Jonge and other.

There is also a well done section about the history of inlay and a helpful section on his method for drawing, cutting and installing his inlays. This later section has a brief but effective overview of the tools and techniques and includes excellent photos illustrations. In it, Laskin includes valuable discussions about the role of reconstructed stone and ablam as part of his palette of materials.

The final two thirds of this book is a collection of exquisite photographs of Grit's guitars taken by Brian Pickell. These are accompanied by comments on each work from the author/artist. Through these words and pictures we are given a glimpse into the creative process. Written in a conversational tone this is Laskin's invitation to the reader to eaves drop on the some of the thought processes that led up to each design.

All this being said, Laskin's art, rendered in shell, stone, and wood speaks eloquently for itself. Pickell's photos capture the genius of both the breathtaking overall designs and the super-realistic details which cause these works to soar. This book offers the reader a window into the creative process. Think of it as this exquisite stained glass window with a clear center piece through which we view the work of a master artist.

This book will show you some of the masterpieces created by Grit Laskin, who is not only one of the best luthier for acoustic guitars but a true genius as his inlays are so colorful and original. You will discover what kind of material he uses and how long it could be to make such a work of art.You will understand that the inlay is not only a decoration on the instrument, but that the guitar is also a support for this peculiar form of decorative art. If you could have the sound it would be perfect, but it is only a book....

I'll never forget the first time I saw a Grit Laskin guitar -- it was at the Northwinds Festival in Toronto. I had never seen anything like his inlay work, and this book gathers together gorgeous photos and descriptions of many of his most magnificent guitars. If you can afford it, save up and have him make one for you -- it will be a cherished possession for you to own and pass down to your children and grandchildren -- who will no doubt one day appear on the Antiques Road Show and get some very good news. And chances are good the guitar he builds for you will be in his next book.

Because he is Canadian and Canadians are by nature not boastful people, he would never say this, but many are saying he does the best inlay work in the world. All his guitars are one-of-a-kind. So is this book.