Sound Guitar Workshop

SOUND GUITAR WORKSHOP IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to all my students, friends, and co-teachers for ten years of fun with sharp tools. I'll miss you all! To future students of lutherie, I can recommend the Summit School on Vancouver Island, classes taught by Charles Fox in Portland OR, and anything taught by Sergei de Jonge. If you want to have a wonderful time while making a guitar, get in touch with my Italian co-instructor, Noemi Schembri. She has begun offering classes in Italy similar to the ones we co-taught in past years.

I am offering a six-week apprenticeship at Sound Guitar Workshop from July 10 to August 20. The apprentice will work closely with me to prepare:
— three guitar “kits” for our Intro to Guitar Making class,
— at least one guitar to be shown at the Woodstock Guitar Showcase in October,
— and one personal guitar which will be the property of the apprentice.

Emphasis will be on precision, efficiency, and evolving a more complete understanding of the guitar. Skills will include use of all common woodworking machinery and hand tools, wood selection, inlay of various types, wood bending, soundboard voicing, neck carving, and coffee appreciation.

Some repair work may be available under the supervision of the Sound Guitar Repair staff.

The apprentice must have significant woodworking experience, including construction of at least one guitar or similar instrument. An in-person interview is required and either samples or a portfolio of completed work. Having your own edge tools is a bonus.

Tuition is $6000, including materials for one guitar, use of shop machines, and morning espresso.

Guitarmaking in Italy is back!

THIS CLASS IS NOW FILLED!! Sorry if you missed this opportunity — please get in touch if you're interested in a future class in the Veneto!

We're well on our way to holding another 2-week guitar building class in Italy! Two weeks in the hilly Prosecco grape growing region near Valdobbiadene north of Venice, building guitars during the day, enjoying the food, culture, and people of the Veneto in the evenings ...

This year's class will start on August 27 and run to September 11. We'll stay in our own villa (breakfast provided), then take a short walk to the shop of our hostess and co-teacher, Noemi Schembri, where we'll create some mighty fine guitars. A good day in the shop is followed by some time to relax (often with a snack and some local Prosecco) before dinner.

The region is one of Italy's most historic and beautiful. It's in the foothills of the Alps and there are walking/biking paths throughout the area. Nearby are the lovely old towns of Asolo, Bassano del Grappa, Vittorio Veneto, Treviso, Padua ... so many! And Venezia herself is a short train ride away.

Total cost, including 14 nights in the villa, all materials, and a hardshell case to help get your guitar home safely, is a mere $4500!

Call or write soon!