I had a side conversation with Jim N. regarding comparing the craftsmanship of today to that of the 70's. We agreed that it isn't fair to compare them. I understand this but it also doesn't ring true. I look around my shop and beside this computer there's nothing in it that didn't exist in the 70's or earlier. My drill press is WWII vintage and my mill is from 1952. Metal working is nothing new and it's safe to say that most of the principles that applied in 1970 do so today too. So when did the bar start being raised in regard to craftsmanship? When did it start not being desirable to gouge a tube with a file and leave it or leave a big glop of brazing material around a lug edge. I know the argument that times were different but were they? Was labor more expensive then? Were profit margins even lower then? I don't think so.
When I think about this I think about violin makers. Is it unfair to compare current violins to that of the ones built by Strat? Maybe or maybe not, anyone a violin expert?
I know bikes are about more things than craftsmanship but when did craftsmanship start becoming important?
Curt Goodrich Minneapolis, MN
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