Guitar Building Class
Guitar Building, Taught as a Working Practice
Format
Class size: Limited (typically 4 students)
Structure: Ongoing, guided build work during scheduled class sessions
Sessions: Once a week for 3 hours
Location: Logan, Utah
Instruction: Individual guidance within a small group setting
Students progress at different rates depending on experience and scope. Builds are treated as serious projects, not demonstrations.
Tuition
Tuition is billed on a monthly basis.
Tuition: $400 per month
Materials: Separate fee based on build specifices. Custom quote will be provided.
Tool access: Provided during class hours for approved project
Details are discussed during the inquiry process to ensure the class is a good fit for both the student and the shop.
I run a small, hands-on guitar building class as part of my ongoing work as a builder. The class takes place in my shop in Logan, Utah, and is intended for people who want to understand how guitars are actually made—through careful work, repetition, and direct engagement with the process.
This is not a production course or a short-term workshop. Students work through real instrument builds at an appropriate pace, using a combination of traditional hand methods and modern shop techniques. The emphasis is on judgment, accuracy, and long-term durability rather than speed or output.
Class size is intentionally limited so instruction remains personal and the work remains serious.
What the class covers
Students work through the construction of a complete instrument, with guidance tailored to the specific build. Instruction commonly includes:
Instrument design and layout
Wood selection and preparation
Carved and laminated plate construction
Neck geometry, joinery, and setup
Voicing, stiffness, and response
Hand tool technique and jig design
CAD/CAM and CNC methods where appropriate
Metalwork, hardware, and component fabrication
Finishing and final adjustment
The focus is on understanding cause and effect—how early decisions influence tone, feel, stability, and longevity.
Who the class is for
The class is well suited to musicians, woodworkers, and builders who want a deeper understanding of instrument making. Prior experience is helpful but not required. Patience, curiosity, and a willingness to work carefully matter more than background.
Admission
Enrollment is limited and offered on a rolling basis. An inquiry is required before joining the class.
If you’re interested, please get in touch with a brief description of your background and what you’re hoping to build.