Meet Clancey Compton | Luthier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clancey Compton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clancey, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I always reread it when I’m feeling off course. It has always helped me get my thoughts straight and feel like I sort of have a clue of what I’m doing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a luthier and that is someone who builds, repairs, or restores string instruments. So far in my career the things I’m most proud of are some the bands I’ve been able to work with. The most notable ones being Khruangbin and Father John Misty. I’ve been fairly lucky to get where I am honestly but it wasn’t always easy and there were definitely times where I questioned what I’ve gotten myself into. I think it took almost 10 years before I was making enough money to actually feel comfortable. The main lesson I’ve learned over my career is not to let the hard times get you down too far and keep going because it will get better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My go to places in Houston for food would be Ninja Ramen and The Pit Room. I recently moved to the East End area and I’ve found a few bars I like on that side. I really enjoy East End Hardware, they have great drinks and a good vibe and also Warrens downtown is a definite go to when friends are visiting. There is a drive in theater we enjoy going to called Moonstruck that isn’t far from our house that is really fun for a night out. For the most part when we have people over we will walk or bike the bayou trails, bbq, and get the projector out and have a movie night in the backyard.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I had a mentor who I did what was basically a paid apprenticeship. Steve Hartz and he owns The Old Time String Shop in Nacogdoches, Tx. I have him to thank for a lot of my knowledge and perseverance in this industry. I definitely owe a lot to him.

Instagram: irepairguitar

Image Credits
Riverhorse Nakadate