Guitar Building Workshops
MacPherson Guitarworks offers a course in which students learn how to build their own high quality steel-string acoustic guitars. This basic guitar building course is suitable for novice as well as experienced woodworkers.
Students choose the size, shape, materials, and desired tonal characteristics of their guitars. All required materials are provided. Sides are pre-bent and some other parts are prefabricated to allow completion of the guitar during the one week course; (course does not include surface finishing such as lacquer, shellac, or water based products) finishes will be discussed and students receive instruction and demonstrations of how pre fabricated parts were made. Special hardware can be obtained at an additional cost.
Topics Covered
- Wood selection
- Tap tuning
- General Guitar design
- Brace Design
This course offers the first-time guitar builder the opportunity to develop skills and study the craft of luthiery by building a professional quality instrument from the ground up, using the same high-quality materials that we use in building our customers' guitars. Working daily in tandem with the instructor, students learn general wood-working skills as well as skills specific to guitar building. We pay special attention to the most important aspects of a good guitar: craftsmanship, tonal quality, playability, and traditional design.
Students choose the size, shape, materials, and desired tonal characteristics of their guitars. All required materials are provided. Sides are pre-bent and some other parts are prefabricated to allow completion of the guitar during the one week course; students receive instruction and demonstrations of how these parts were made. Special hardware can be obtained at an additional cost.
Cost
Acoustic guitar building workshop - $3,400.00
Electric guitar building workshop - $2,400.00
A deposit of 50% is required in advance, with the balance due on the first day of the course. Payment may be made by by cash, certified check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
Scheduling
In most cases, we are able to accommodate your schedule. The course can be broken up and spread over multiple weeks (within reason) if completion of the course within one week is not suitable.
Class Size
Most classes are one on one. There is a maximum of two students per session.
Cancellations
Upon receipt of written notification of cancellation at least 30 days prior to the course's start date, the balance of your deposit, less 20%, will be refunded. If notification is provided fewer than 30 days prior to the start date, no refund will be issued; instead, the course may be rescheduled.