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Hand Made Guitars by Luthier Dan Koentopp

Documentary Film in the Making

I have had the pleasure of working with filmmakers Paul Hamilton and Caleb Vinson. They first approached me in September of 2010 and brought up the idea of doing a documentary on the development of one of my instruments. I had no idea what was in store for me and it couldn’t have come at better timing. I was just starting a custom Chicagoan Oval Hole Archtop. This guitar is the most elaborate instrument I have created so far and it was now going to be the focus of the documentary.

Paul and Caleb are amazing artists themselves. They have made the guitar the main focus of the film but they have also created a story line that gives the film life and an appeal for any audience. The texture, the detail, the cinematography, and the sound, create an experience that is incredibly inspiring.

It took me a little time to warm up and get used to the cameras around my workbench but after the first session it was second nature. Every week I would look forward to our shooting sessions. They have kept a majority of their footage from me, leaving me very anxious. I have not seen anything like this in the guitar community and after watching some of the test clips, I am able to see my work from a new perspective. I am grateful for their work and their masterful artistic vision and I am so anxious for the release of the completed film.

Here is a little teaser showing a breadth of their footage. The feature film will be released in the near future so keep an eye out for posts and announcement

Koentopp Teaser/Guitar Builder from Paul Hamilton on Vimeo.

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One Response to “Documentary Film in the Making”

  1. Paul Says:

    Koentopp – great article – we’re looking forward to the final projects: the guitar, and the film. Both are going to be exceptional!
    “And I never eeevennnn left L.AAAAAAAAAAAA!!!”

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