♥ I am and will always be a teacher. Though retired after 25 years of teaching high school Physics, I still enjoy leading others onto new paths. I have a gift for organizing and presenting information in clear and succinct ways. I model what is to be done and guide the student through the process.
Setup Class –
♥ Learn how to set up an acoustic or electric guitar. Setup classes can be from as short as a 3-hour block on a Saturday to 15 hours (3 hours, one evening a week for 5 weeks). The class length is determined by the number of students signed up (a maximum of 4 students results in a 5-week class). In the class, I will set up your guitar for you as you watch, touch, and ask questions. The longer the class, the more students and guitars you get to see setup and the more you can be involved hands-on in the process. The cost of the class is $225 per student and includes a basic set-up on your guitar, the experience of setups on other guitars, informational handouts, camaraderie and a whole lot of fun. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot in the class. This deposit can be made by cash or check or credit card in person at the shop or over the phone. The remainder of the class tuition is due on the first night of class and is payable by cash or check only please (or with credit card and a processing fee of 3%). Sometimes during a setup new strings, a bone nut and/or saddle is required to get everything dialed in. I will offer also offer a few setup tools for purchase. These would all be at an additional cost.
The next class is being planned for this coming Fall – Tuesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, September 13th. Contact me if you are interested.
Acoustic Guitar Building Course –
♥ It takes me over 100 hours to build a basic acoustic guitar from scratch. That is not entirely feasible in a multi-student environment. Therefore, in the Basic Building Class, you will build a very basic OM or Dreadnought guitar from parts where some of the more labor intensive (not to mention dirty) jobs have already been done for you. For example, the two halves of the top and back will be glued together already for you, the neck is already cut out to a rough shape, the fret board is pre-radiused and slotted and the bridge is ready to go. But the class is much more than just assembling a kit. You choose the size (OM or Dreadnought), you decide the top and back woods from several choices, you get to choose accent woods and fret dot patterns, etc. It is you that will cut the body shape and glue in and shave braces, route out truss rod and binding channels, shape the neck, make a nut and a saddle, etc. Knowledge of hand tools is a plus but not required. Lack of fear is mandatory :). The cost of the course is $2,700 which includes instruction and all materials. A $600 deposit is required to hold your spot in the class and is non-refundable after I order your chosen materials for you (though I will give you those materials if you decide to back out). The next Building Class is proposed to start Fall 2022. The class will meet at the same designated day and time, with some exceptions, through the fall and spring. There is room for two students. Contact me if you are interested.
Guitar Stringing Class –
♥ You bring your guitar in for this evening class and I show you how to put new strings on. The cost of the class includes the strings and a beverage. I’ll show you how to take the old strings off, do whatever cleaning, oiling, lubricating is necessary and put the new strings on. Though I will do some of this on one guitar, this is a hands-on class. I’ll also evaluate your instrument for you. Cost is $30.