The Strad rightly observes that today's luthiers are crafting instruments surpassing those from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries combined. It's indeed a laudable evolution.

Yet, there's a prevailing trend where musicians, especially those unfamiliar with Early Music, seek exact replicas of famed Stradivari or Guarneri violins, usually crafted from posters.

Such an approach suggests that creating an instrument doesn't necessarily equate to artistic expression when the aim is precise duplication. This sentiment is mirrored by factories churning out countless replicas each year.

Consequently, a once-treasured cultural tradition has pivoted towards a culture underscored by rigid commerce and a commoditized instrument market. Given that most musicians lack financial incentives to delve deeply into this musical heritage, its cultural significance is waning.

However, hope remains. In my journey, I've had the privilege of:

1. Collaborating with musicians who cherish such insights.
2. Mentoring others to find their unique voice, anchored in the millennia-old culture that birthed our musical instruments.
3. Some instrument makers believe in 3D-printing, AI and elimination of human labour in the creation of musical instruments, as they believe in innovation.
Probably there is more...
Musicians largely fall into two categories:

1. Those who either fail to grasp this essence or choose to remain indifferent, often because the music industry has become a source of profound disappointment in their lives.
2. Those deeply connected to and passionate about these cultural roots.
What resonates with you and do you see some value in cultural traditions?
#shorts