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Hi, I'm an architecture student and guitarist of several years in Tampa, FL. For a long time, I have thought about eventually building my own guitar, and now here I have the summer to make that happen. My initial plan was just to utilize the woodshop at my school and whatever resources I could find (such as this forum) and dive right in.

But then I came across a local luthier who offers classes here in his shop where all the necessary tools and jigs would be made available, just the materials would need to be purchased. The classes would be three hours long for $10 an hour and the total number of classes would be determined by complexity of the design, speed of work, etc.

Here's a link to his website: kenbaileymusic.com

Does this sound like a good idea for a first time builder? Or might it be a wiser decision just to do all the research myself and dive in?

Any opinions or tips are appreciated

Thanks,
-Danny

That sounds like a good idea to me. One on one instruction is priceless.

I am a first time builder so take this for what it is worth. I have built one uke and have spent the past 4 years planning the next build in order to not repeat the same mistakes I made in on the uke. My daughter was born in that time and we moved so I haven't spent a solid 4 years .

Anyway, I moved from Orlando. If I had realized Ken was doing this when I lived closer I would have been there and probably would have way more guitars built by now. And even if I had only built that one, having someone who knows what they are doing guide you.... I don't see how it could get better than that.

And I am thinking you will spend way more than the instruction cost on specialty tools that the school doesn't have.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

John

I met Ken Bailey at the meeting we had down near Tampa. He's good people. Makes a nice guitar too.

Personally...if he's only charging 10 bucks an hour....yer crazy not to do it. That's cheap given the scope of knowledge one has to make use of to build a guitar.

Do it. You'll love it.

Chris

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

I'm with Chris. Met Ken at the meeting we had at Mitch's place. A good guy with great guitar-building chops. He'd be a great mentor and $10/hr is a steal. Jump on it before he raises his rates!

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Jim Womack

"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for. "
Will Rogers

Or you move.

I met Ken at the meeting at Mitch's too. IF I remember correctly he had a crazy banjo. I don’t think you can go wrong here. Also there is a loose association of Florida Guitar Builders that meet occasionally. You might want to try and make a meeting. Most are located in Tampa. Usually invites to meetings are posted here. Hopefully I'll be able to make the next one.

John

Yeah, it's in June at Jim's place again unless someone else wants to host this one. Jim and I are concerned that this is going to fade if you all don't make them. I forget when but I'll have to check the discussion.
$10 and hour is worth the tool rental.


OK, I'm back the meeting is for June 19th. You in Danny?
I live in North Tampa.

There is no tool or jig or refined process that can ever replace hands on one-on-one training with an experienced professional. It's just a rare opportunity that it should not be missed if at all possible.

I've taken the leap myself and am scheduled to start a two week intermediate guitar building course with Rick Davis of Sound Guitar Workshop (a sponsor here). I've spent some time with Rick in his shop, and had email exchanges with him, and I'm totally pshyched about getting this kind of training/mentoring.

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Jim Hansen

$10/hour?? Wow. If he's a good builder and teacher, jump on it! I think starting out with a teacher is an excellent way to go. This sounds like a fantastic opportunity.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

Danny, I spent over a year building my first. Most of that time was spent looking at jig designs, deciding which jig I liked the best, and what process I should use for each stage of the build. If someone is willing to give you that head start for $10 an hour, GO FOR IT!

8 Hours a day times $10 an hour times 7 days is $560 bucks. I spent that much money in plywood, nuts/bolts, glue, and jigsaw blades trying out new processes.

Good Luck, Tony

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Tony Flippo

Danny, I spent over a year building my first. Most of that time was spent looking at jig designs, deciding which jig I liked the best, and what process I should use for each stage of the build. If someone is willing to give you that head start for $10 an hour, GO FOR IT!

8 Hours a day times $10 an hour times 7 days is $560 bucks. I spent that much money in plywood, nuts/bolts, glue, and jigsaw blades trying out new processes.

Good Luck, Tony

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Tony Flippo

Great, yeah thank you guys for all your insights, I'm just now waiting to hear back about an opening. I guess in the meantime, I'll do some more designing and researching materials. I'm sure that alone will be somewhat of an undertaking hehe...

I am approaching the 1 year mark on my first build - I said I would do it last summer too! If you can afford it, i imagine you will NEVER regret the instruction. It may take you years on your own to get a weeks worth of wisdom.

It turns out that Danny lives about 10 minutes from me depending on how many lights he hits. So if he gets into a jam I might be able to offer some assistance.

Run don't walk to get in line for that deal!

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Here is what a Parlor Guitar is for!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEa8PkjO6_I

I would go for it. At that price you can't lose. If it turns out not to be what you expected at least you won't be out a lot of money.

I did a class with Sam Irwin of Lowdn & Avalon and it was a superb start for my hobby.

the internet is a great place for info & support, especially when you'v been taught the basics but real life tuition of the basics can't be beat!

go for it!

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My soundclick xx luthier blog xx luthier soundclick

There are many things you can do yourself -- if you are that sort of learner....

There are also certain things that I personally wish I had someone around the area to get advise from..... For this, I think having the class available would be great.

Personally, I would jump on it if it was available to me...

Thanks

John

Danny, I know Ken Bailey too and he is a very fine luthier,guitar player, banjo picker,
and all around fun guy! So, Take the course,It's a great deal!

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755