diff --git a/Makefile.in b/Makefile.in
index fdddb72..86c0548 100644
--- a/Makefile.in
+++ b/Makefile.in
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ VAMP_PLUGIN_LIBS	:= @Vamp_LIBS@ $(LIBRARY_LIBS)
 LADSPA_PLUGIN_LIBS	:= $(LIBRARY_LIBS)
 
 MKDIR			:= mkdir
-AR			:= ar
+AR			?= ar
 
 INSTALL_BINDIR		:= $(PREFIX)/bin
 INSTALL_INCDIR		:= $(PREFIX)/include/rubberband