I have been thinking a lot lately about becoming a luthier. I have thought about it in the past when I was making minor adjustments to my own instruments. I really started thinking about it about a month ago when I had a dream that I was in my basement fixing a guitar. Ever since that dream I have not been able to get the idea out of my head.
That day I started searching for anything I could find about luthiery. Traditionally becoming a luthier involved a long apprenticeship with a master somewhere. Builders of classical instruments have been doing things that way forever. You could only become a luthier when your master said you were ready. As cool as it would be to apprentice and learn how to build and repair all the strings instruments it takes half a lifetime to do it traditionally, and there are not many places where you could actually apprentice. Also an apprenticeship is a full time deal, and in today’s world it does not make much sense.
I found several schools that I could go to, but they are expensive and not close to home. I would have to go out of town for several weeks. The shortest program I found is 6 weeks long. Others I have found are as long as a year. I love the idea of going to a school to learn the skills but, I don’t know how far I really want to take this. After all this is all based on a dream I had. I don’t want to rush into anything.
So I have bought a few books and videos from a luthier supply website, so I can learn some basics, and see how I like it. I have several friends and family members who have instruments that need repairs, and they have all been nice, and trusting enough to give them to me for me to learn on.
I won’t touch any repair that I don’t feel like I can handle, so I’m not worried about screwing up anyone’s instruments.
This past weekend I started building a workbench, so I have a place to work. All I need to do is attach the top of the table, a little bit of sanding and it’s good to go. I’ll put a varnish on it later if I think it needs it.
I ordered a big chunk of the tools recommended by the schools to get started. This type of work requires some very specific tools, so there was no easy way to get around buying them. If I decide that this is not for me then I can always sell the tools on eBay or something.
The tools should arrive today, and I’m excited to start. I want to share my progress as I make it. Maybe I’ll post some pictures as I start working.
That day I started searching for anything I could find about luthiery. Traditionally becoming a luthier involved a long apprenticeship with a master somewhere. Builders of classical instruments have been doing things that way forever. You could only become a luthier when your master said you were ready. As cool as it would be to apprentice and learn how to build and repair all the strings instruments it takes half a lifetime to do it traditionally, and there are not many places where you could actually apprentice. Also an apprenticeship is a full time deal, and in today’s world it does not make much sense.
I found several schools that I could go to, but they are expensive and not close to home. I would have to go out of town for several weeks. The shortest program I found is 6 weeks long. Others I have found are as long as a year. I love the idea of going to a school to learn the skills but, I don’t know how far I really want to take this. After all this is all based on a dream I had. I don’t want to rush into anything.
So I have bought a few books and videos from a luthier supply website, so I can learn some basics, and see how I like it. I have several friends and family members who have instruments that need repairs, and they have all been nice, and trusting enough to give them to me for me to learn on.
I won’t touch any repair that I don’t feel like I can handle, so I’m not worried about screwing up anyone’s instruments.
This past weekend I started building a workbench, so I have a place to work. All I need to do is attach the top of the table, a little bit of sanding and it’s good to go. I’ll put a varnish on it later if I think it needs it.
I ordered a big chunk of the tools recommended by the schools to get started. This type of work requires some very specific tools, so there was no easy way to get around buying them. If I decide that this is not for me then I can always sell the tools on eBay or something.
The tools should arrive today, and I’m excited to start. I want to share my progress as I make it. Maybe I’ll post some pictures as I start working.
Becoming a Luthier