ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAKING CLASSES
Sponsored and taught by SIMSCal held at Woodcraft
Stanton, CA (Orange County)
*** 2012 ***
Classical Guitarmaking Class
(See schedule below)
Register with - Bill Gourlay
(714) 279-9796
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*** 2012 ***
Steel String Guitarmaking Class
(See schedule below)
Register with - Eric Nichols
(714) 319-9909
Learn how to make a flat top hollow body guitar - from building forms, to side-bending, neck carving, assembly, and intonation - from the some of the best builders in the local guitar community.
Guitar-Building Methods Taught
Choose to build either a steel string or a classic nylon string guitar. The steel string construction method, based on the technique of Bob Mattingly, uses a combination of both hand and power tools, and uses a contemporary mortise and tenon to connect the neck and body. The classic guitarmaking method, based on the hand tool methods of Jose Romanillos, uses a traditional Spanish workboard, in which the sides are fitted into the heel of the neck.
Class Schedule and Procedure
Each class consists of 15 weekly evening meetings, with the classic guitarmakers meeting on Tuesdays and the steel string makers meeting on Wednesdays. The shop opens at 5:00 p.m., with instruction and building time continuing to 9:00 p.m.
For 2012, the classical guitarbuilding class will begin on Tuesday, January 17, and the steel string guitarbuilding class will begin on Wednesday, January 18.
Because of space limitations, enrollment is limited to 6 students for the classic guitarmaking class, and 6 students for the steel string guitarmaking class. This allows for personal attention for each student, that is to say that, realizing that life priorities vary, each student can proceed at his/her own pace.
Meetings consist of lecture / demonstration and shop time. It is an ambitious project to complete a guitar in 5 months, even with a fair amount of "home work" done by the student. All the information necessary to complete a guitar, including a French polish of shellac finish for classic guitars and nitrocellulose lacquer for steel string guitars, will be provided. Due to the nature of lacquer finishing, actual demonstration is not possible at Woodcraft. In the past, we have had "open shop time" available for students – and club members – through the summer and early fall months, for students who wish to continue working on their guitars.
Prerequisites
Prior woodworking experience is not necessary. Students will be instructed in the proper and safe use of the tools used in guitarmaking. Although those with experience may proceed faster than those without, the small size of the classes allows for personal attention. No one will be left behind.
Costs – Tuition and Materials
Tuition cost for the 2012 15-session class is $700. This included group and individual instruction, shop time, use of required power and hand tools. A deposit of $50 is required at time of registration in order to hold a position in the class. Payment is made in two installments, $300 at the first class and the final payment of $350 at the 8th class, the mid-point of the class.
Additional costs: Each maker will choose his/her own guitar materials - woods and hardware. These material costs will be about $250 for a basic, attractive guitar of excellent sound quality.
You will also want to invest minimally in some tools (for home assignments) such as clamps, rules, adhesives, etc. – most of which can be had at local stores. Finish will be another cost to consider, and this will vary on type of finish you choose. All this will be explained in the first meeting. Finally, personal tastes may lead to upgraded hardware and additional guitar ornamentation; these costs can be discussed with the instructors.
About the Instructors
The Steel String Guitar instructor is Eric Nichols, a well-know luthier with over 20 years of experience building guitars and teaching; he is a former instructor of guitar making at Orange Coast College in Southern California.
Bill Gourlay will instruct the 2012 Classical Guitar class. Bill is a hobbyist builder and former student of Mónica Esparza. He builds instruments, both classical and flamenco, based on the plantillas of Torres, Romanillos, and Barbero. His entries in the woodworking competition at the 2009 and 2010 Orange County Fair received First Place and Juror's Choice awards both years in the Musical Instrument - Apprentice Division.
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Eric Nichols Bill GourlayLocation
Woodcraft Store (directions): 12781 Beach Boulevard, Stanton, CA 714-899-1422; From the Garden Grove Fwy (22), take the Beach Blvd. exit: go North to Village Center (on your left, less than a mile). Woodcraft is at the north end of the shopping complex.
SIMSCal
Stringed Instrument Makers of Southern California
2009 Classical Guitarmaking Class
2009 Steel String Guitarmaking Class
Click for more information about the classical guitar building class.
