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Acoustic Guitar Construction Course Description
David Freeman Has 35 years of operating TIMELESS INSTRUMENTS School of Lutherie. He has Trained many Luthers of high esteem around the globe.!
The next course is scheduled for January 8th, 2024 to February 24 , 2024, for Acoustic Guitar Construction, or a second project course . There is Only room for 7 students.
To do a follow up course Please contact David to arrange In shop time for you to Create an instrument of your choice. The fees are listed with the course descriptions. This cost includes materials available in the Timeless stock.
If you prefer to stay home, simply buy a kit! However, the in shop experience will develop your understanding of how to vary the sound quality of your builds.
Acoustic Guitar Construction Course
Guitar Immersion, Learning to Design, as well as construct, with both hand and power tools, is the Basis of this training. You learn through consistently doing the work day by day, Step by step, far beyond any once a week assemble a kit course
Your understanding of how an acoustic instruments produces sound puts you years ahead of trial and error learning. You learn WHY you are making the choices,
that result in your unique instrument.
We have trained over 650 lutheirs from over 25 countries in the past 30 years
The Programs
Certificate Programs:
Completing the Core Acoustic Guitar construction course earns you a certificate of Lutherie. This is also the prerequisite course for the Diploma of Lutherie
Completing an advanced Training course following the Core Acoustic Guitar Constuction program will earn a second Certificate specific to the option taken.
Diploma Programs:
A Diploma of Lutherie is achieved by:Level 1
- Completing the Acoustic Guitar Construction Course
- Completing 2 additional Advanced Training courses; Diploma Level 1
OR - Completing 3 additional Advanced Training courses; Diploma Level 2
Diplomas will state the Advanced Training Options that were studied.
The Curriculum
You will learn the principles of Design, Construction, Assembly of parts, Finishing, and Set up understanding how and why to vary Your Sound, maintain structure, Create aesthetics, and playability throughout the build.
Maximum of 7 Students to 1 teacher and 1 assistant, provides time for individual instruction in addition to group lectures
Students 17 and older are accepted,
You learn the balance of acoustic properties versus structural function, to create a Steel string, Nylon string , Baritone, Tenor, or Bass guitar
Working from bandsawn wood with hand and power tools to create the parts, you are learning the fundamentals of creating parts, that come together as an instrument !
You'll quickly add the design principles to your compentency tool kit
The workshop is run over 7 weeks of class time, 40 hours a week, 280 total hours
There are extended open-shop hours, mornings, evenings,( 6 am to 10 pm) and weekends for working on extra additions, like inlay, to enhance Your Instrument.
This is an immersion course. Daily immersed practice develops your skills fast. This immersion is why so many people say: "this course changed my life"
Tools
Each workstation is equipped with a complete set of required hand tools,
You may bring your own hand tools if desired. You are taught sharpening techniques of tools, enabling
You to maintain your own tools to a high standard when You set up your own shop. You will learn the safe, effecient method of working hand and power tools thoughout the building process.
Alternative methods of building are discussed with each step for your future reference, so you can pick the techniques you use in your own shop.
Design
Design of the entire instrument is your informed choice
Step by step, you daily design and create an instrument that is uniquely yours
The pros and cons, advantages and trade offs in design of each step are discussed in a lecture
Then a short demonstration , outines the techniques & jigs used
You, then create that step, focusing on what is important to your playing style
Design is integral to each step, as you learn the complete Process of Guitar Construction,
from bandsawn lumber to finished instrument
Construction of parts
Using bandsawn wood, and appropriate tools, you form Guitar parts incorporating the designs you have created
The Daily use of tools teaches and expands your skills to form the wood as you want it
This daily focus is a huge advantage over courses that are only once or twice a week, as here you are immersed in lutherie
You are living and breathing Guitar Making, It develops your skill, fast, through consistent practice
The Assembly
Assembling the top, sides, back, and neck brings it all together
Now it looks like a guitar!
Add the bindings, fingerboard and bridge, complete the inlays, the satisfaction in Your work is second only to playing it for the first time!
Finishing
A choice of methods are offered to finish Your guitar
a) You learn to spray lacquer using either / both Compressor or HVLP systems
b) You learn a hand rubbed French Polish method
c) Using a specially selected oil, to finish the neck of your guitar
Guitar Set Up
One of the key stages, of Construction and Playability is the set up of Your guitar
We'll guide You to understand the relationship of the strings, nut, saddle, and fingerboard to acheive low, fast action with driving force and optimal expression of the acoustics
Set up is the most common maintenance of guitar care You become confident and competent with this aspect of Lutherie
The Wood
The best quality grade materials for your guitar construction with a good selection are available
There are 4 or 5 species of top woods. 5 or 6 Back & side sets, 3 or 4 neck woods for you to choose from
You choose either traditional or alternative woods selected for your build
The acoustics and working traits of these woods are explained as we select them
Wood Certification
Under recent Canadian Governments and CITIES Treaty 2017, a Certificate of Origin of Wood is issued to you for Your specific guitar wood
The Cost
Acoustic Guitar Construction - core program
TOTAL cost: $4460.00
Luthier Training Application Form
Advanced Instrument Training Workshops
The core Acoustic Guitar Construction Workshop, as a prerequiste, provides the core skills of Lutherie
To further Your skill development, on completion of the Core Workshop, You take one or more Advanced Training Workshops
These also run seven weeks, concurrent with the core workshop.
This advanced level of study gives you the opportunity to Design the complete instrument with overall knowledge of the process
You select the Construction and Assembly methods of Your choice,and sharpen your wood working skills
Finishing options and final set up expand your experience of doing this work
On completion of the first Advanced Instrument Workshop, You will receive a Certificate of Lutherie
Completion of a third and/or fourth Workshop, You receive a Diploma of Lutherie
Students attend the Core Workshop lecture every morning,
then consult, a one on one session with the teacher developing the daily plan of action.
Contact david@timelessinstruments.com to set up a course selction program
RESOPHONIC GUITAR WORKSHOP
Learn design and structural differences of a resophonic guitar versus an acoustic flat top by building a wooden body Dobro or National style resonator guitar
Upon completion of the second instrument, students will have a stonger concept of the acoustic and structural balances of an instrument
The option runs for 7 weeks,
shop access: 6:00am to 10:00pm
There will be lectures, consultation, and guidance to direct You in your work
The total cost of the option is $3510. CDN.
Time length 7 weeks
You will further Your ability to anticipate and rectify acoustic and structural problems, design capabilities, skill with tools, and materials
CELTIC / IRISH FOLK HARP WORKSHOP
This option also runs for 7 weeks, with 20 hours per week of instruction, lectures and consultation 280 hrs and
shop access 6:00am to 10:00pm
You will study various different harp styles and sizes.
Theory consists of understanding the relationship of the sound box, pillar, and bow angles to facilitate the proper string lengths
You will learn the structural and accoustic balance on the harp
The student learns design, applied to joining angled panels, bracing for extreme string tension, stringing, tuning and
different finishing choices
Total cost $3510CDN time length 7 weeks
Acoustic Guitar Workshop
Design and build a second guitar, planning the entire build before You start
Incorporate new methods of construction or continue with the building method You learned in the core workshop
New methods of construction include, cutaway, finishing with colors, alternative neck join, use of different woods, or using any of the features not previously used This allows You to solidify and expand the process already learned add the extra step of designing & planning the complete instrument before beginning construction
Time length 7 weeks, shop access 6:00 am to 10:00pm;
Total cost $3510.CDN
Arch-top Mandolin Workshop
This arched instrument is structured and produces sound very different from a flat top.
You will learn the carving of the top & back plates
The neck join can vary with your design choices,
You will choose from two possible Soundhole styles
Time length 7 weeks, 6 am to 10 pm shop access
Total Cost $3510CDN
Arched-top Guitar Workshop
A completely different style of guitar building with a challenge to carve the plates
Arch tops create sound different than Flat tops
You will learn these acoustic properties, and the variations you can create in sound
You can learn a dovetail or mortoise and tenon neck join, and learn color finishing as part of the finishing schedule
It is a big project & needs time to complete. Some manage to accomplish this in seven or eight weeks
I suggest You allow nine weeks.
Total cost $4460.CDN
Repair
If You want to develop Your repair skills, we can discuss the specific jobs You have in mind
The most common repairs would be neck resets, top replacements, head stock breaks, truss rod replacement, refretting & crowning, and general set-up
You could refer to Complete Guitar Repair By Hideo Kamimoto for ideas of the repairs You want to do
Consultation with the Instructor about the amount of time necessary will help plan the course schedule
Total Cost:$3510.
**If you have not taken the Core Guitar Construction workshop prerequisite, we offer specific repair training for the work you want to learn. Cost: $960/day** only available by appointment.
Electric Guitar Workshop
You learn to design a New Model, or copy your favourite electric. Use a bolt on,neck through, or mortise and tenon neck join. Color finishing techniques or sunbursting finishes can be explored
You will Design the electronics for the sound you desire
This is a key to getting the sound production You want
Consult with david@timelessinstruments.com to determine the time required
You will want to allow 5 to 7 weeks depending on the extent of your design
Materials plus extras that you might wnat to incorporate on you rdesign
Total cost $3748.CDN ,
these will vary widely with electronic selections
Irish Bouzouki or Cittern Workshop
Octave mandolin or Mando cello are all similar instruments with slight differences to fit the audio range, or scale lengths
Build with a tail piece or fixed bridge
You can build with a curved solera top to create sustain
A good choice for taking the theory and methods you learned in the first course and applying them to achieve a very different sound on a different instrument
Total cost $4610. CDN
Weissenborn Workshop
These lap guitars extend the body cavity to the head stock There is no neck
This will solidify and expand on the structure and skills you acquired in the Core Workshop and teach You new methods of constructing the soundbox.
The top is traditionally a hard wood, a spruce wood top creates a brighter tone. Lots of other choices
Time length 7 weeks access: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Total Cost $4610.CDN
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT YOU WISH TO TRY,( Harp Guitar,etc.) CONSULT WITH DAVID FREEMAN ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF WORKING IN THIS PROGRAM.
The Team
David Freeman, Master Luthier and Teacher
David has taught lutherie since 1986 when he first established his school and custom guitar work after doing repairs since 1974 and building since 1980. David has developed a respected reputation, recognised as one of the best teachers of lutherie.
In addition to the eclectic experience of instruments and construction methods,
David has training in personal communication skills
He teaches individuals within the group, working with your learning strengths.
David's University studies include the humanities, Fine arts, and Mediation
He served apprenticeships in Music, Pottery, wood working, teaching and Agriculture. He studied Guitar building with Charles Fox & George Morris. Piano restoration and tuning began in 1985
He learned Violin Bow making with Michael Vann and trained in Violin restoration
Seth Freeman grew up in this shop. It is his way of life.
After University, and working in acting, magic, sales managment,he returned in
2011 to work in lutherie until February 2020
He has learned the skills of teaching and lutherie all his life, now working in this craft
Seth has a B. A. degree and was ordained in 2016
David Freeman – Master Luthier Contact david@timelessinstruments.com
Accommodations
We offer You lodging in the student Accommodation house. NO PETS
Fully equipped kitchen with stove, microwave,two fridges,and a freezer, washer and dryer, bathroom with shower for Your stay.
There are three bedrooms, two beds in two and a larger one with three beds. Bedding is optional.
Some students forge life long friendships through sharing the learning environment, and community of living
Accomodation rent of seven weeks $490.00 Cdn
Additional living time can be purchased at $150.00 Cdn per week
There are alternative independant housing options, Inquire.