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You are here: Home / Lutherie Classes / Lutherie Classes: Setup and Repair

Lutherie Classes: Setup and Repair

One of Greg’s students learning to crown frets as part of a refret class.

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!)

Neck resetting is one of many topics offered at the Dogwood shop.

Topics include basic and advanced setup techniques for both acoustic and electric guitars, 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.

Pressing in frets, or hammering? You can learn both techniques with Greg.

Setup and Repair Class Rates

Class time with Greg is $60/hour. You may book as many or as few hours as you wish. There is a discount for a full eight hour day, the cost is $450. Classes for both electric and acoustic repair and setup are offered.

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.

FAQ’s

Learn how to set up your electric guitar to play better than new.

When are classes offered?

Setup and repair 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 classes are $60/hour, $450 for an eight hour day.

You may also be interested in Greg’s online Setup, Repair, and Restoration classes, available at Obrienguitars.com. Please see this page for more details.

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

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The Importance of a Good Setup, Part Two

In the first part of this article, I discussed the elements of a basic setup. These include checking the neck relief and the action at the first and twelfth frets, as well as installing new strings and performing a few other basic adjustments. In … [Read More...]

Lutherie Classes: Voicing and Tuning

Acoustic Guitar Voicing and Tuning Class (Discontinued due to my heavy repair schedule) This is an advanced class that explores the principles behind great acoustic guitar tone. This class is intended for the experienced builder, and … [Read More...]

Baking Tops

A number of guitar builders (including a couple of well-known factory-made brands) follow the practice of baking the Spruce tops in an oven at low heat prior to using them in the construction of an instrument. This practice has caused a lot of … [Read More...]

About Greg Maxwell

I've lived in central Ohio my entire life, and I've built things for as long as I can remember. I cut my teeth as a woodworker doing fancy interior wood trim for a custom home builder in the early 80's after deciding that performing music for a … [Read More...]

Building a Monarch: Pearl Inlay

Shell inlays are a time-honored way of adding flair, beauty, and value to musical instruments. The two primary types of shell used in making guitar inlays are Mother of Pearl and Abalone. Each of these come in several color varieties. There are many … [Read More...]

The Importance of a Good Setup, Part Three

In the first two parts of this article, we have looked at basic setup services, which include setting the neck relief and string action, as well as new string installation and other basic adjustments. We have also discussed some improvements and … [Read More...]

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Technical Articles

Bolt-On Necks: High Tongue Frets

I am including this article as a special page in the Services Menu because of the frequency with which the issue of high tongue frets arises. The tongue is the part of the fretboard that extends into the body of the guitar. On acoustic guitars, the … [Read More...]

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Exploring Common Guitar Myths

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