i would like to become a luthier so i can persue a larger varierty of jobs in the music field as i am not the best player by any means. are there any good schools or places in PA (around allentown if possible) the only place ive found is one that teaches how to make archtop guitars none for general instrument making. or is it more something you just have to learn on your own?
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learning to become a luthier
- Thread starter lordziros
- Start date
I too am taking an interest in building. I`ve asked around here, and in the same boat - no solid-body / electric builders that I can find. I think the approach I`m going to take in earnest is just buy plenty of books & vids, cheap wood, and just go. I learn best through trial / error and reverse engineering anyway. And of course, I plan to seek advice from the pros here 
mikeyswood
Inactive
You will get much farther (and more likely to be hired by me) with $14,000 invested in tools and attempts than any school will get you. There are many of us here who build and we continue to write "How To's" for your exact situation.
Musiclogic
Commercial User
- Aug 6, 2005
- 6,505
- 73
- 60
- Disclosures
- Owner/Builder: HJC Customs USA, The Cool Lute, C G O
If you have a school that specializes in archtop construction, JUMP at it. This type of school will more than likely teach you in a traditional Cremonese and Barcelonian styles which will actually teach you Luthiery and not just "guitar building". There is a vast difference between a trained luthier and a guitar builder. If you wish to learn to be a luthier, school will introduce you to traditional construction and understanding of luthierie and put you years ahead of a guitar builder as far as knowledge and applicable skills in the marketplace if you wish to go to work for a high end company such as Griffin, Breedlove, or Taylor. Martin, Gibson, Fender, and G&L also hire out of school placement programs. Knowledge of machines and tools is also a great help in excelling as a builder.
A friend of mine went to a luthier school in Pheonix AZ. I believe he said it was accredited. Not sure what that means, but the work he did was pretty legit there. He said that the teacher also knew some people in Gibson. I think he is trying to get a job there.
Edit: I think this is the one he went to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto-Venn_School
Edit: I think this is the one he went to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto-Venn_School
the place i am looking at is in nazareth and has some connection to martin guitars i believe and im really considering the class to get to know how to use the tools more than anything else at the very least i get some experience and a nice guitar out of it
I would pay a luthier who mostly makes acoustics to keep me in the shop for a year or so and learn hands on. If you know one willing to teach you, that's gold.
