becoming a luthier

[westonefx]

ok how do you become a luthier i mean i know you could always just read up on your stuff and learn but is there any luthier school? or just become an apprentice to a luthier. what i'm asking is are there anyways to actually learn the trade from someone who knows his stuff and possibly turn it into a profession

[Santah]

I am not aware of any luthier courses being run where I live. If its the same for you then I suggest doing a carpentry course, It will give you the woodworking background/knowledge you need. Then you can start making your own guitars and that may lead to getting a job as a luthier working for someone else, or you may be able to start your own business.

[mishmannah]

/\ 1+

[martinedwards]

And it is addictive.
yup, you end up looking in skips (dumpsters) for discarded wood!!!!

I was lucky and got on a course (which starts up again on Thursday :p ).

All the above is good advice. Experience is the best teacher. If you can use salvaged wood it brings the "catastrophe cost" down!! The dread I'm finishing off cost me the grand total of £70(us$135)as I scrounged the neck, back sides and bracing material.

My attitude is that it's my hobby. If I can get my costs back I'm happy. BTW expect your first build to be not great. My fretless bass is..... weeeellll..... playable.

my acoustic Les Paul is gigged at least twice a month. the mandos are pretty good, a resonator was a total pile of Poo, the dread I'm REALLY pleased with, and I'm starting a doubleneck acoustic on Monday.........

[mishmannah]

yup, you end up looking in skips (dumpsters) for discarded wood!!!!

I haven't started doing that yet (if you'll excuse the poking about in hedgerows :p ) but I am willing to study the technique of prepping wood for guitar usage, especially the wood that may be available at work... :toohappy:

I was lucky and got on a course (which starts up again on Thursday :p ).

That is just simple ACE!!!!!! The jumbo is going to be an awesome guitar.

...the dread I'm REALLY pleased with

How's it going? Even after a few days there can be a perceptable change in tone...