Honing the planer (lutherie)

The blade is sharpened on two stones, one with a large, and the other with a smaller grain. The stone is moistened with water. The angle used should be 35 °. The objective is to have a razor sharp blade to allow very precise woodworking.

Sebastian has been working as a luthier for the past 13 years. He creates guitars and specialises in gypsy acoustic instruments.
After a degree in mechanic and some training in architecture, Sebastien turned towards violin making and trained in Beziers working with some professionals. He has been living for 7 years in Belgium and has settled in a collective studio in rue de l’Indépendance, in Molenbeek, with a dozen other skilled craft workers .
His customers are found amongst professional musicians or keen players. To make a good guitar he needs an average of 200 working hours. He creates about 8 instruments per year. While the guitar is, in fact, a popular instrument, it is clear that ordering a customized guitar is a very luxury purchase available to only very few people.
The sound of the guitar will depend on the wood used (the table is made of spruce or cedar) and the relative humidity. Tannic woods will colour the music.

Sound recordist : Gaëlle Courtois / La Fonderie, Brussels