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What is IBOA?
Instrument builders of America, is a network of instrument builders, passionate about building quality hand-made instruments using traditional skills, and minimizing the use of modern technology.
So, join us. Click on the "forum" button and talk instrument building with us.
What is meant by "modern technology"
We are really only talking about technology (i.e., power tools, computers, CNC routers, etc.) that replaces skills required to make musical instruments. Not all power tools fall under this category. For instance, we use table saws, drill presses, etc. These are tools that make the cutting and drilling processes easier, but they still require manual setting, measuring, and detailed thought. CNC routers on the other hand do not require any skills because the computer does not only the cutting, but also the measuring. Therefore we believe they take away the artistic talents of the builder and the instrument then becomes a computerized assembly, not making it handmade in our opinion. Some people may claim that it takes skill to produce the original to be made in the copying process. This is true. However, each additional piece made with the CNC is not unique in it's own way. It is a carbon-copy, a mirror, and therefore not special is our opinion.
Visit our luthier's tool list.
A comprehensive list of tools used in the trade.