Hours

We hold two full-time courses each year, one in January and one in June/July.

Courses run for two weeks full time and the hours are 9:30am to 5:00pm from Monday to Saturday. Advanced courses require three extra days before or after the course dates. For course dates please check out timetable page.

Split Courses

We are all understand that two weeks can be a long time to get away from life’s commitments. This is why we offer the option to split your course experience over two courses.

For example you may choose to do the first week of the course in January and then come back in June/July to do the second week. Please contact us to discuss a split course.

Curriculum

We provide an thorough grounding in guitar making theory and techniques during the course. You will leave understanding how a guitar works, how it is made, what makes it sound good and how you can go on to set up your own workshop and build more instruments.

CURRICULUM - THEORYCURRICULUM - PRACTICAL
  • Timber selection, how different timbers effect the sound of a guitar and what properties to look for in tonewoods
  • Design and shape of a guitar, how this effects the sound of the instrument
  • The use of jigs and templates
  • Proper drying and seasoning of timbers
  • The properties and grain of timbers and how tonewood should be cut
  • Fine-tuning a guitar’s top and back for optimum sound
  • Bracing on the top and back of the guitar and its purpose and effect on a guitar
  • Neck angle and it’s importance in guitar making
  • Neck shape and size and it’s effect on playability
  • Fret size and its role in the playability of a guitar
  • Scale length, intonation and compensation
  • Action height and its effect on playability
  • Setup and balancing the neck relief and action heights
  • String tension and its effect on tone and playability
  • Common guitar finishes – their benefits and disadvantages
(Some processes are not applicable when building certain styles of guitars)
  • Bending the sides using heat and steam
  • Centre-joining the back and top
  • Cutting top, back and sides to shape
  • Thicknessing and tuning the top and back
  • Installing a soundhole rosette
  • Assembling sides with end block, neck block and linings
  • Making and gluing the top and back bracing
  • Carving the top and back bracing
  • Creating mortice and tenor joints for the bracing
  • Assembling the body from the top, back and sides
  • Routing and gluing the bindings
  • Scraping and sanding the bindings flush
  • Cutting and inlaying mother of pearl in the headstock
  • Drilling and shaping the headstock
  • Fretting the fingerboard
  • Assembling the neck with the truss rod and fingerboard
  • Shaping the neck and heel
  • Fine sanding the body and neck
  • Assembling the body, neck and bridge
  • Dressing and polishing the frets
  • Making a bone nut and saddle
  • Stringing and setting up the guitar for playing
  • Basic finishing with lacquer or French Polish