"I feel very strongly that what keeps aspiring students stuck in the dilettante level, and from progressing towards professionalism, is this very inspirational-sounding, romantic quest for perfection.
Perfection: phooey! Perfection is the enemy of the Good. I've seen too many indulging this illusion, get stuck fine-sanding each kerfing chip and then crash-burning out of the craft. I know many professionals and they all had to get past this perfection-quest to become successful, world-class luthiers.
I'm unimpressed by perfection: A machine run by a complete nincompoop can cut a microscopically flat surface on a piece of wood, far flatter than any Old World Master ever could. Far more difficult is to create a guitar with Soul, with artistry, with uniqueness, with Magic. And to get there you've got to build many, many guitars. Perfection keeps you stuck forever trying to finish your fifth guitar. Leave perfect for the engineers. Leave art for the Artist".
William Cumpiano
I just love that