Also consider John Hall who is a sponser and has nice kits and will help you as you need. He will do the kit as you need IE: bent sides, thickness etc.
I am do acoustics, but getting into other models soon. I love the dulcimer and my wife plays, that is one instrument that appears easy to make and will allow you to get some basic skills. I plan on making a few soon and have good wood sets in the wood room. There is a good market for them here in Branson, MO. but not plan on them as a line going for in the market, but fun and get out to some kids.
If this is something is a few years you want to continue, look at the various schools. I did Bryan Galloups and it is a great school. I think he is also setup with MI. dept of education and Fed education for grants, loans etc. Other schools out there which I am sure very good, I am just aware of what Bryan does., If going for a career, think the 6 month or longer school si way to go for long term. Once out, and Bryan helps here, look for an apprentice job or job with a known shop. I know Dana Bourgeois has hired several folks from Galloup and other places. This will build your skills even more and when go on your own, also not only building skills much better, have an idea about this business and how to do some things in that area. Some college's out there like Red Rocks in Denver where Robbie O'brien and Mike Snider teach. I think several others also.
One thing and from 6 kids and old age. Get college education and if can throw in the building with it the better. You just may and probably will need the education if this doesn't work out for you or need back up. Check out schools that may offer that as a program, like Red Rocks. College will never be a problem for you in the futue, not having it can.
You can't learn to much and going to fast will not be a good thing if want this as a career. All good things come in time and effort. The more effort the more sucess. I wish you luck and hope you carry through on this. It is great to see young folks wanting to learn and carry on this craft.
Your at a prime age and if you have the fire in the gut and ability your ahead of a lot of us. I have been at it 7 years or so, but started late. I went to school and worked with guys in their teens and now early 20's. They did the school, but more important they got much more schooling working with great builders. Do that a few years and you will learn so much more and be a more complete builder when set up your own shop. There are folks out there who will put effort in you, if you will put the effort back, as that is how many times they get the pay back. You help them in their shop for sucess and they then in time want you to have the same ability and sucess. I know. The boss has put way more into it for me than I ever have or will be ever to give back, but others out there like Bill and world and lutherie better for it.
Last but not at all least LEARN REPAIR AT THIS YOUNG AGE. I think (really more know) you will be a better builder if you can do repairs and restoration work. I actually like it better, and wish had more knowledge in that. It will also pay the bills while waiting out the commissions to get where you don't need that income, whenever that is, if at all. What Hesh said also. While into this before schools and whatever, lot of help here.
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) read everything you can get your hands on.. Stew Mac and LMI have tons of good books, and try searching them on Barnes & Noble or Chapters you can often save some money or even get them used.
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