Official Luthiers Forum!

A question for the experienced folks.

I'm looking for ways to learn more about building (just completed my first build). I've cosidered going to GAL or ASIA. ASIA is more cost effective for me but will cost me roughly $1000 to attend. I know I could lean a lot and it would be great to meet and rub elbows with everyone there. So that is one way to learn and I've listed the cost.

I've also considered spending a week with an experienced luthier at some point.......say someone like Mario (have no idea if he even takes a student but he is experienced and I like his build style so just using him as an example). I have no idea what that would cost but lets say $2,000. I'm not a novice woodworker and I hae a degree in mechanical engineering so I really don't need basic woodwoking instruction. If I took a class like this it would be more to learn build philosophy, plate tuning, and maybe learn some new techniques and receive constructive criticism on what I've built.

Some of you have probably had both experiences. What would you say helped you most? I could skip ASIA and probably take an individual class next year. In one arena you get a few ideas from several luthiers and in the other arena you would hopfully get several ideas from a single luthier.

What are your thoughts?

_________________
Formerly known as Adaboy.......

for $500 you could spend two days with Dan Erlewine in a small class at the Galloup school in Michigan...

_________________
"...you have to get over your strict adherence to your largely imagined notion of absolute perfection..."

Maybe try the Ervin Somogyi class http://www.esomogyi.com/classes.html ... lots of pro's have taken it and given good reviews.

If it were me, I'd do what Todd said. That said, the classes I took at Red Rocks with Robbie O'Brien were valuable. Yes, the pace of the course is fast enough and there are enough newbies that a lot of it is the mechanics of assembly. However, being around a watching 30-60 guitars being built teaches you a lot too. You get to hear many different guitars as they go through tuning the top. You get to learn how to fix a wide variety of errors. As soon as I run out of tools I "need" I'm heading back to Red Rocks to take another class there.

Mike

_________________
Mike Lindstrom

Only you can know if you are ready to study with someone. I too would recommend building a few more before going for the classes but if you feel your are at that point then probably you should look into it. I had build five guitars before I studied with Robert O'Brien and the experience was much richer for it. I am on number 23 now and am scheduled to study with Brian Burns next month. I am hoping that I have enough experience to truly understand what he is talking about when he speaks. I also intend to study with Somogyi this November but have not finalized the details because he is re-working the class this year and is not yet sure about the length of the class and content. He is considering adding days and information.

As far as ASIA or GAL is concerned, I cannot imagine how going to either or both would not be a great thing. I am super excited to be going to GAL this year!

_________________
http://www.booneguitars.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Boone-guitar-builder/488208541257210

Good advice everyone. I think I will wait on working with someone for now. I'll go ahead with purchasing some tools I need for building from scratch as suggested.

_________________
Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I am signed up for the Modern Lutherie class by Charles Fox.
http://www.americanschooloflutherie.com/
I see that it is full, but $1000 for 5 full days of info sounds valuable to me. Sounds like we are in a similar spot, I have build 2 and lots of woodwork experience. This class sounds perfect, I don't need to build a class in his shop, with a woodworking background I think it is possible to learn without being hands on.

My thoughts on being ready for this type of class: I know that some will go over my head, but I also know that it will shorten the learning curve and will make the transition from woodwork to lutherie come more quickly. My interest is to shorten the time until I feel comfortable selling a guitar.

I did a similar thread a bit ago, as usual, some golden wisdom from Bluescreek and Todd.
viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=31431
Rob

_________________
http://shastaguitar.com/
http://www.kalimbakit.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/comfyfootgr ... ature=mhee
http://www.facebook.com/robert.renick.7

My time with Rick Davis building a guitar was really valuable. It is not just how to do things but the opprotunity to see how problems are solved when thing do not go well. To see where he takes time and shows concern vs when he does not. To understand a bit how he approches a design or a process. Working with Rick listening to the tap tone when thicknessing the top and shaving the braces could not be matched in a book or a video. Both lack the feedback on what you are doing.

I have watched a lot of videos, and I find it interesting that when the luthier in the video finishes a step of the described process but their hands are still moving with three or 4 quick extra steps not described. Don't get me wrong the videos are great, but they are still one way. In person you get to ask.

I would not trade the time I had working with Rick for a tool. Sure, you may be better prepared for a class after more guitars, but another way to think about it is the time you spend on your next few guitars will be better spent after a class with a luthier.

John

_________________
http://www.Harvestmoonguitars.com