Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi everybody!
I'm new to these forums, and I guess I have a few questions..

I've heard of apprenticing in the luthier trade and I was curious if this still happens to this day?

Also, I'm looking for a place to start. Whether it be with a kit from one of the many websites, or poring over books of luthier technique.

Any help/advice is much appreciated.

Peace.

Well.. there are several ways to start. The best way might depend on your existing knowledge of the instrument and/or previous woodworking experience.
Not sure where you are located, but there are courses offered that can really give you a solid start in lutherie. Kits are a great way to get familiar with the principles of guitar making, but with most kits you will need much more information than is provided with kit's instructions. Some good books, DVD's and the help of the generous people here can help you get through that first build.

Personally I started by reading books, from the internet and basically any source of info I could find. Then about a year later I ordered a kit from LMI. After that I did a scratch build. Both guitars turned out really well but having done a lot of research ahead of time really helped. I've recently taken a course to furthur my knowledge, learn new/different ways of doing things and in the process built two more. I think most people here will agree lutherie is a journey of continuous learning.

No matter which method you choose you will recieve nothing but encouragement here, so go for it!

my 2 cents,
Chad

You've come to the right place to learn instrument making!!!!

How to start is up to you-can you go to a luthiers school-do you have the time & money?
Getting a well made kit & following the instructions will help you if you can not go to a school or class!

the O.L.F. members can help you but you need hands on experience .

Find out if there is a maker in your area that will help you out.
go for it!
Mike

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Mike Collins

Ha, yea, as nice as those schools sound(I looked into a few) I definately do not have the money.

I have found a few makers in my area though. I'm in the process of sending out emails as I type.

Thank you all for your advice!

Oh, and just so you don't end up calling me "Fiddling_bear", my names josh.

Hi Josh and welcome to the OLF my friend!

What the other guys said above is all good stuff.

I always recommend a quality, well documented kit too and that is how I started in this madness.......

Our sponsors John Hall (Blues Creek), Stew-Mac, and LMI have the best kits available in my humble opinion and they all have links at the top of this page.

Josh,
Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you will learn lots here. One thing you may not know about apprenticeships is that almost all of them actually charge you to learn. There have been several local builders here in Denver that both charged around $10,000 per year for the apprenticeship, and you had to bring your own tools! So don't be surprised if they ask you to pay. Good luck and hope it works out.

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com