Man, the sound of violins this morning.... I ask you to try and look at the situation from the perspective of the maker, and not the consumer. I can well understand the desire to have a 'original', it is inherent in the hobby. In much of the discussion on this topic, there often seems to be a assumption that a reproduction is 'inferior'. Less desirable is not necessarilly synonymous with poorer quality. We are living in a age where the standards of workmanship are much in decline as applied to hand made goods. Whether someone is out there doing originals or the less attractive reproductions, and they are of excellent quality, it means at least two things. One is that this maker has gone to lengths to learn his craft during a time when society says the path to walk is the contrary more predictable financially successful 'quantity' way. This person has to a large extent swum against the current. Number two is a assumption that in addition to the enjoyment of practicing the craft, there is the desire to provide a valuable, even cherished product, to the public. Admirable qualities to have inherent within work in general, wouldn't you agree? For the few who have made a name for themselves, and the work flow is regular, the future may be bright. For others though, it is still the influence of a ideal, and perhaps the hope for future recognition that keeps the spark alive. Minimizing work as simply reproduction, can be a dis-service. I think the most important word is quality, then comes the who, what, when, where, and why for subsequent discussion. I have heard it said that original work is a path for geniuses, and following what has been done in the past is a 'safe' way for the common man.
Dennis Young
Hotaka, Japan