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GUITAR MAKING COURSE - Build Your Own DIY Guitar

Objectives: To build a quality bolt-on neck electric guitar, from scratch

What do I need to supply?
Nothing! Bring yourself, and a desire to build!!

What do I get?
All timbers for the body and neck, hardware, pickups, plastics, electronics. Access to machinery, jigs, templates and tools.

Which type of guitars are being built?
Basically, a “bolt on neck” style instrument. There are three main guitar designs to choose from: Strat, Soloist or Tele.. The neck will be a ‘scarf’ joint style headstock, with a range of woods available.

 

Are the materials all quality parts?
Yes. All hardware supplied is the same high quality we use on our own custom made instruments. The pickups supplied are our own handwound pickups. For a small additional fee we are also holding a pickup winding course to allow you to wind your own.

What types of wood are being used?
For the body, you choose: African Mahogany, Alder, Swamp Ash, Tasmanian Blackwood.  Neck woods: Rock Maple, Tasmanian Blackwood. Fretboards: Ebony, Maple, Rosewood.

 
What are some finer details about the course?
There are two courses on offer, one for part time students, one day per week, and another week long course. Both classes are limited to three people. The part time class runs for 4 hours, once a week for ten sessions. The full time class runs from Monday to Saturday.

What if I don’t feel confident in doing certain parts, for example, the neck shape?
No problem. Whilst the aim of this course is to get you started in guitar making, some aspects can be a little daunting for a first timer. If we see you getting into trouble, or not confident about one aspect, we can assist you.

 
I don’t have any experience in woodworking, is that ok?
YES! We have designed the course so you do not need to know anything about woodworking. A short introduction to wood machining must be completed prior to starting the course. This intro course is included in the cost.
Which type of finish are we using?
Because lacquering can very easily consume a lot of time, the finish supplied will be Tung Oil. You may choose to do some work at home to lacquer your guitar. We can direct you to suppliers that sell fantastic, inexpensive, DIY lacquer kits.
Is this a once off course, or are you planning on doing more?
We have re-introduced the courses after a three year break. The courses are limited to three students at a time, and we will NOT be running courses regularly. If you missed out previously, do not miss out now. We will only run a handful of courses per year.
Im from the Eastern States (or international), do you run a week long course I can attend?
YES! See above.
Ok, what’s the bottom line… HOW MUCH?
$2650. That includes all the timbers and hardware, pickups, introduction to wood machining, 10 session course on guitar making, and access to jigs, tools and machinery. Arrive with nothing, walk away with your own handmade guitar.
How does that price, compare to the quality of the finished instrument?
If you are patient, and have an eye for detail, there is no reason why your first guitar can’t be equivalent to a $2000+ name brand guitar.

How do I book?
Contact us to reserve your place. Spaces are strictly limited.

When?
Full time - Sept 2010
6 days (Monday through to Saturday)
September 20th-25th 2010
HURRY - One spot remains!!

Full time - Nov 2010
6 days (Monday through to Saturday)
November 22nd-27th
HURRY - One spot remains!!

Part time - Aug 2010
10 weeks, Saturdays
Aug 28th - Nov 6th
Additional add-on courses:
Pickup winding: $300 – Learn the basics of pickup winding, then wind your own pickups for your guitar.
Inlay Workshop: $300 – Three x 3 hour sessions, including all materials. Tools supplied.

SPECIFICATIONS
Body shape:
Strat, Solist or Tele body styles

Body woods:
Alder, Tasmanian Blackwood, African Mahogany (+$90), Swamp Ash (+$90). 

Neck styles:
Scarf joint, tilt back

Neck woods:
Rock Maple, Tasmanian Blackwood.

Fretboards:
Maple, Rosewood, Ebony (+$50).

Hardware - Bridges:
Vintage trem (+$150), or hardtail (Fender Strat or Tele style), Wilkinson trem (+$200)

Hardware – tuners:
Gotoh, Grover locking (+$40)

Hardware – Colour:
Chrome, Black, Gold (+$80)

Electronic cavities:
Rear loaded (pickup surrounds, no pickguard), or front loaded (pickguard, no pickup surrounds).

Pickup configurations:
2 x humbucker
1 x humbucker, 2 x single coil
3 x single coil
2 x single coil

Contact us now to reserve your spot!