Acoustic and Electric Guitar Repair and Setup Classes
Have you thought about learning guitar repair and setup? Have you considered attending a lutherie school but found the distance and cost to be prohibitive? Or maybe you simply want to learn how to do basic work on your own guitars. Taking lutherie classes at the Dogwood Guitars shop is a fun and efficient way to learn all manner of essential repairs and setup techniques. Don’t risk taking your guitars to a chain store tech for basic work, learn to do it yourself and save money and frustration. (I repair many instruments each year that somebody else messed up!)
Topics include basic and advanced setup techniques, fret dressing and re-fretting, bone nut and saddle making, basic soldering and wiring, and basic finish repair. Other class topics include crack repairs, neck resetting, and bridge/ bridge plate repairs. Classes are scheduled based on Greg’s current work load and your schedule. Contact Greg at 614 348-2147 for details about scheduling class time. Please note: Classes are not pre-scheduled at specific times, Greg will schedule them when you are available.
Setup and Repair Class Rates
There are two rate structures for Dogwood Lutherie classes. Whether you choose to observe while Greg works on his own guitar jobs, or you work on your own under his direct supervision, you will be getting valuable time one-on-one with an experienced luthier and great teacher. Your time with Greg will prove to be an exceptional value when compared to spending months in school and many thousands of dollars in a group setting where your time is shared with a room full of other students. Shorten your learning curve and choose the option best suited for you:
1. Observation and learning while Greg works on his own customer’s guitars. Students will be instructed in all the techniques, skills, and tools as he teaches. The pace is relaxed with plenty of time for questions and note taking. Handouts will be given to students with step-by-step instructions for any techniques covered in the class. Because the guitars used to demonstrate the techniques are Greg’s customers’ instruments, students will not be permitted to engage in any hands-on practice. The cost for this type of class is $40/hr or $300 per 8-hour day. Students can schedule as little or as much time as they like. Most classes are one-on-one, but up to three students may be in any given class.
2. Hands-on training while working on your own guitar(s). This is a more in-depth class where students will actually have opportunities to do some or most of the work being taught. Handouts will be made available, detailing all the steps for the work taught in the class. Because Greg will be devoting all his time and attention to your instruments (and not to any of his own paid work), the cost for this type of class is $60/hr, which is the shop rate for customer repairs. If you choose to schedule multiple days with Greg, a substantial discount is available. It is possible to spend two weeks with Greg, working on your own guitars as well as observing Greg’s work on customer guitars, and come away with a good working knowledge of acoustic and electric setup skills, fret work, basic wiring/soldering techniques, bridge repairs, and nut and saddle making, for around $3000.
Guitar Building
If you want to gain a thorough understanding of guitar setup and repair, and would like to end up with your own hand-made guitar, consider taking the two-week guitar building class offered by Greg. You will learn most of the fundamentals of setup and repair while building an acoustic guitar. This class is two full-time weeks, cost is $3000 plus materials.
FAQ’s
When are classes offered?
Setup and repair classes, as well as two-week build classes, are offered based on student availability and Greg’s schedule. Class dates are not predetermined. Contact Greg to inquire about scheduling your classes.
How much do classes cost?
Setup and repair class costs are based on how many days the student wishes to schedule, and whether we will be working on your own guitars or shop customer guitars. Discounts are offered for multiple days. As a general rule, figure on $300/day for multiple days. Hourly rates apply for single day classes.
What Students Are Saying:
“What a rare and unique opportunity I was recently afforded when I got to spend seven days of intensive study with Greg at Dogwood Guitars. He possesses not only the skills of a true world-class luthier, but also the heart of a teacher. I cannot think of a better way to jump-start my growth as a guitar tech. In the short time I spent with Greg, I received the knowledge and confidence to tackle everything from assessments and basic set-ups, complete refret jobs, bone nut and saddle making, to wiring and pickup upgrades. I am very grateful and feel honored to have had this opportunity!” Chris N. Kansas City, MO
“While there are many places to learn about guitar repair, having a great teacher makes the difference between a good experience and one that is really extraordinary. Greg is the real deal- he is funny, easy to work with, a true master at his craft, and most importantly he teaches in a clear and easy-to-understand style that makes doing high end work obtainable for any level of experience. I can’t say enough good things about this class!” Thomas D. Columbus OH
“I used to be afraid of touching anything on my guitar. After spending time with Mr. Maxwell, I feel like the mystery and the fear of the unknown have gone away. I can now make my own adjustments with confidence. And if I am not comfortable with something, he has been more than willing to answer my questions.” Craig B. Delaware, OH
