My Motto is “No Limits” When it Comes to Guitar-Making

I like to make building a stringed instrument straightforward and fun. I offer a few different workshops, and charge hourly. The goal of my workshops is to give you the fundamental skills (design, woodworking, sanding, gluing, soldering) to be able to feel confident and competent building instruments for fun and/or for profit. My workshops are one-on-one. You get to draw on the expertise of a very seasoned luthier of 25+ years in an a-la-carte, apprentice-like situation. If you have a friend or family member you’d like to learn with, I can accommodate 2 people in a workshop setting.

BASIC Electric Guitar or Electric Bass Build

In this workshop, you are able to focus on build fundamentals.

You will:

  • Design a bolt-on instrument

  • Make templates for future use

  • Make a neck and body

  • Practice sanding technique

  • Pick a stain color (as applicable)

  • Learn my shellac and oil finishing techniques

  • Choose controls and pickup styles

  • Choose hardware style

  • Assemble the instrument and go over set up, nut, and fret work

We can discuss which woods, hardware, and pickups you’d like to use. I am available for suggestions.

We will be focusing on the build itself and not any of the superficial parts that can be upgraded or swapped-out later. The idea is to make a guitar - not a kit, not a parts-caster, but to actually design, cut everything out, carve, sand, finish, etc. your very own custom guitar.

This workshop generally runs 24 hours total. It is broken up into smaller, easy-to-digest sessions to allow for glue to dry and finish to cure. The workshop is scheduled to fit your needs and schedule.

The workshop cost depending on the time it takes each student to complete the build. We will go at your pace, so you are comfortable and confident. I can offer a special price for my guitar-making students on most parts and supplies.

DELUXE Electric Guitar or Electric Bass Guitar Build

This workshop includes everything from the Basic Electric Build Workshop, usually takes around 30 hours total, and adds the options of :

  • Body and neck binding

  • Laminated top

  • Multi-piece neck

  • Chambered or hollow body

  • Bolt-on or set neck

CARVE-TOP Electric Guitar or Electric Bass Guitar Build

This workshop includes everything from the Basic and Deluxe workshops with the addition of carving the top.

This workshop generally runs 36 hours total.

A Hardshell Case Making Workshop can be added on to any of the above packages, for an additional cost, so that you can have an awesome custom case for your very custom guitar build.