Become a Luthier

Do you have a passion for music or woodworking? Why not turn this passion into a career by becoming a luthier.

The Hancock Guitar Making Course is a great way to get a head-start into guitar making. Lutherie is a challenging art to master and it normally takes a long time and a lot of practice and trial-and-error before a luthier is proficient enough to work professionally. Our course is a great way to shorten the time it takes to learn fundamentals of guitar making.

You will be certified to have completed the Hancock Guitar Making Course

During the two weeks of training we guide you through every step of building an instrument. We also explain the important theories a luthier needs to know so you will begin to understand what makes a good sounding and playing guitar.

Students leave the course with the skills and knowledge to go on to set up a workshop and build more guitars. This is knowledge that normally takes several years to learn from experience.

You will experience working in a professional guitar making workshop and using a wide range of tools and jigs. This experience is very valuable if you are looking to set up a workshop of your own. You will leave the course with an understanding of good workshop practices and what equipment is most necessary to purchase.

We are proud to have several former students now working as professional guitar makers.

Show less

Student Story – Dean Morrow

After many years as a carpenter and the hard physical work that comes with building houses Dean was looking for a change. He attended our guitar making course to get started in a new career as a luthier.

Dean took to lutherie like a fish to water, building an Orchestra Model acoustic at the course. In the year since he has set up a workshop and gone on to build more acoustic guitars using a variety of Australian timbers.

Dean recently wrote us this email to let us know how he is going building guitars following his time at the course-

“Hey Sean, finished the Om on the weekend, it’s for a mate but not sure if he will actually get it yet. Have grown a bit attached to it. Anyway just thought I would shoot you a few picks as am pretty proud how it turned out. Also a huge thanks again for the course, without you and Dane no way I would have had the confidence or know how to get this done.

It is spalted black hearted sassafras back and sides, Sitka spruce top, Mahogany neck and Ebony fretboard/bridge.”

An Orchestra Model acoustic guitar Dean built after completing the course and setting up his own workshop

The guitar is custom made from beautiful timbers including a Tasmanian Black Hearted Sassafras back