Becoming a luthier

[long hair guy]

Hey all,

So I decided I want to become a luthier. Whenever I tell people this, the general response is "Hey, that's a nice hobby!" Is it possible to be a full-time luthier? I wouldn't end up living a cardboard box or anything, would I? Money's not everything to me, though. I'd be perfectly happy living modestly if I really enjoyed the work.

What kind of education would I need? I know there're luthiery schools around the country with courses that last around 6 months. Supposedly they teach you every facet of guitar-building and repair (electric and acoustic). Would these be the way to go, or would it be better to seek out an apprenticeship?

Here are the two schools I'm looking at right now.
Galloup School of Lutherie (http://www.galloupguitars.com/school/index.htm)
Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery (http://www.roberto-venn.com/overview.html)


Thanks for your answers, everybody.

[in_the_basement]

I looked into this as well because it seems like a great career. One that I could enjoy and make a living at. The unfortunate part is that there are many people out there who have completed luthier training and as you can probably imagine, there are not a whole lot of people who need them. For that reason, there are not a lot of jobs. The jobs you can get are not well paying until you have gained enough experience to command a high salary. One guy I spoke to said you have a better chance of becoming a pro baseball player than to make a good living as a luthier.

AS you said, the training program is about 6 months long. That means that it is relatively easy for someone to complete. I was advised that I should do this if I want to for my own personal enjoyment, and if I am lucky enough, I may be able to make a few bucks at it.

Think about it, when is the last time you needed to go to a luthier?

[zero]

Im sure if you owned your own guitar shop you could make some use out of the training

[Etingi]

That'd be cool, to own your own shop that you can sell your guitars in. But it'd be risky. If you didn't do well that'd be a LOT of money down the drain.

[long hair guy]

I plan on starting a guitar shop, once I have some experience (and some money). I guess the repair skills I learn in the class probably will be more helpful than the actual building skills like you said, in_the_basement.

Before I do get a shop, maybe I'll go on tour with a band as a guitar tech. I heard there's decent money in that. It'd get me good experience, too.

[Fender65Mustang]

It's just my opinion but,

I vote for the apprentice approach AFTER the 6 month course. A 6 month course in Luthiery is not going to instill any confidence in potential clients or teach you the ins and outs of the buisiness. And the apprenticeship will give you training "in the buisiness" so to speak. It will give you practical experience and contacts for suppliers, shippers, insurers, clients, etc. You will probably learn to work on or restore violins and other stringed instruments as well as guitars, some very valuable. My sister in law has a $25000.00 Violin and they just paid close to $3000.00 to have it "gone over" as they put it.

You will be doing quality work and not rushed patch jobs that you would probably be doing on tour as a tech (most tech work on tour has little if anythin to do with luthiery). You will be making money and gaining experience without the responsibilities of overhead you would have by going it alone right off. And, you will be building your reputation without the worries and concerns of where your next check is coming from.

Most schools will have a placement program to help you find a position and get started after you finish the course and personally I'd look for good, quality instrument shop, not just a guitar shop in the back of a store.

I don't know how it works but maybe once your experienced and think you're ready to try it on your own you could start off (while still in the apprenticeship) with some kind of repair contract with local High Schools or Community Centers that teach music. That would get your feet wet without biting off too much.

But, if you're going to settle for guitar "repair" then why waste your time and money on luthier school? Most guitar repair is parts replacement. Buy yourself a screw driver, striaght edge soldering iron, some files, an electronic tuner, small hand tools like needle nose pliers and such, learn to solder well and how to download wiring diagrams, learn to do a good set up and have at it.

Even on acoustics it mostly comes down to parts replacement. You're not going to "make" a new fretboard, or build a new neck or body. Especially if you're in a busy shop. You're going to replace tuners, saddles, do set ups instal pickups, adjust bridges, maybe do some split or crack work and some refinishing (maybe).

I'd go the full on pro route with all the school and training I could get and let the "industry" guide you as far as where the money is (like in the Custom Shop of Gibson or Fender) and be equiped and experienced to do what is needed.

Good luck with it.

[fretflyer]

looks fun as heck, maybe if my mechanical engineering doesnt work out ill do this :hmmm:

[Rock n' Blues]

I think part of the problem is that our culture has changed. We live in a "throw-away society".

People don't get things fixed anymore. They buy a new one.

How many people here go to a shoe repair shop to have new soles installed? I've done it, but it was a long time ago.

When your Squier Strat needs a fret-job...it's more cost-effective (cheaper) to buy a whole new guitar.

I'm not saying not to be a luthier...but I think that it will take time to build your reputation enough to make a good living...to get your "name" out there. Do quality work and I believe this will happen.

I've used a local luthier twice recently...so there is a demand for it...but I think you would need to be versatile.

I'd say do the school, then an apprenticeship...also start building a library of related books...learn everything you can.

Not many young people want to learn a trade today. I went to a trade school in the 1970's. I don't regret it...it got me this far.

[DLR Guitars]

I myself am an apprentice to a luthier. I don't plan on making a living doing it, but I really enjoy the work and the rewarding finished products. To sum up what other people have said:

Knowledge is Power.

I would make sure that you can do things to make your customers' products truly custom, like being able to do nice inlay, unique paint jobs, ect. That seems to me what people want from a luthier. You also have to be able to explain why your guitars are worth the extra money vs. something off the rack at GC.

[ValveTronix]

My grandfather makes probally 50k a year (hes retired) making and selling various Bluegrass insturments.

I've made more than a few guitars, lutes, mandolins, harps and so on, but I dont see myself pursing it as a career.

[Grim]

DO!

It doesn't take a whole lot to get started. Research, plan, DO!

Be prepared to disappoint yourself in your first few attempts. Document EVERYTHING. learn from your mistakes. Read up on various forums, and learn from the mistakes of others. Start simple. Use scrap wood and used parts. Try a cheap body and neck for starters, find the flaws and write 'em down. Learn to wire the electronics and the neck. Install stuff. Get a dremel and learn all of the things it can do.

Be patient. Praise yourself. Don't dwell on the mistakes.

DO!