3-Month Comprehensive Guitar Building Program
- Michael Whitney
- Dec 18, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
An immersive guitar making experience designed for aspiring luthiers and serious hobbyists.
Thank you for your interest in our 3-Month Comprehensive Guitar Building Program.
Compared to our shorter guitar building courses, the 3-Month Comprehensive Program allows students to explore the complete guitar making process, from blueprinting and template creation through to the construction of multiple instruments.
This is the ideal program for students interested in understanding the entire guitar building process from conception to completion, as well as aspiring luthiers looking to develop the skills and confidence required to establish their own workshop.
Michael Whitney | Luthier, Instructor
What Can I Expect from the 3-Month Comprehensive Guitar Building Program?
Students enrolled in this course will taken an immersive ‘deep dive’ into guitar building and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to build their very own electric and acoustic guitar(s) from the ground up.
Unlike the shorter 1-Week Electric Guitar Building Course and the 3-week Acoustic Guitar Building Course, this course includes the fabrication of all molds and templates required so that students gain a thorough understanding of guitar building from blueprinting to assembly.
Students can expect to complete multiple instruments during the program, with specific projects varying based on student goals, interests, and available course time.
Little-to-no experience with hand- or power-tools? No problem. I take a ground-up approach with all of my students and build upon more basic tasks. This fosters the confidence and skillsets that students require to complete any shop task be it in my shop, or on their own.
No previous guitar building experience is required, though familiarity with hand and power tools is beneficial.
Course Snapshot
Below is a loose walk-thru of what to expect during the three-month ‘complete’ guitar building course.
MONTH 1
TELECASTER-STYLE BUILD: Students will begin their learning with discussions on scale-length and move into blueprinting and layout using traditional drafting techniques. From here, we move into precise template building to develop hand-eye skills and explore neck faceting and ‘dummy carves’ before creating our finished body and neck. Finishing, assembly, fret-work and a setup will complete this build.
MONTH 2
ACOUSTIC BUILD: Students will work from a shop blueprint and develop their own templates from which to construct their own acoustic guitar. Milling and prepping stock, bending sides, preparing the rim, installing kerfing, final rim profiling to receive the plates, establishing correct neck geometry, building the bridge, neck carving and so forth will all be covered in great detail. The build is completed with fretwork, finishing and setup work.
MONTH 3
INDEPENDENT PROJECT: At this phase of the course, students apply the skills developed throughout the program to complete an additional project with increasing independence and instructor guidance as required.
Note: Due to individual learning styles and pace, not all students will complete the final guitar within the three month course window but will have amassed the skills necessary to complete the final project on their own.
Student Spotlight
ELLIOTT WOODING, GIBSONS BC
I recently finished the three month guitar building course at Whitney Guitars and I have to say it was an amazing experience. I’m now at home and have the knowledge and confidence to set up my own shop and start building guitars. Mike is an awesome teacher. -Elliott Wooding, Gibsons BC Canada
3-Month 'Comprehensive' Guitar Building Course Details
Certificate Program Yes |
Course Type On-site; hands-on; one-on-one. |
Style Multiple instrument builds. Specific projects vary by student goals & course progression. |
SOUNDBOARD Sitka Spruce, Engelmann Spruce, or Cedar |
Body Wood Mahogany, Rosewood or Walnut. |
Neck Wood Mahogany / Maple |
Nut Bone |
Fretboard Ebony, Rosewood, Maple |
Finish Hand-rubbed |
Course Duration 3 Month |
Hours 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What course dates are available?
As we are a working shop, much of our calendar year is reserved for custom guitar commissions. With only a portion of the year being allocated to teaching, program dates vary from year to year. We recommend reviewing our Extended Guitar Building Programs page for current availability and program information.
How do I apply?
Prospective students can learn more about our Extended Guitar Building Programs and submit an application through the program information page. Successful applicants will receive additional information regarding deposits, scheduling, and registration requirements.
Do you provide accommodations?
At this time, we do not offer accommodations. Most students choose to stay in local vacation rentals, guest suites, or other short-term accommodations in Summerland and the surrounding area.
Located in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Summerland offers easy access to wineries, hiking, cycling, lakes, and a wide range of outdoor activities, making it an enjoyable place to spend an extended stay while attending the program.
Can I go on a wait-list for your next course?
Yes. Because enrolment is limited, prospective students are encouraged to apply as far in advance as possible.
If a program is full, we are happy to add qualified applicants to our wait-list and contact them should a space become available. If you have questions about current availability or future program dates, please contact the school.
Do I need to bring anything with me for the course?
As you'll be working in an active shop environment, we recommend bringing safety glasses, hearing protection, a dust mask, appropriate footwear, and comfortable work clothing.
A notebook and pen or pencil are also useful for taking notes throughout the program.
All required tools and equipment are provided. However, students who already own a small collection of lutherie tools are welcome to bring them if they wish.
Do I get to apply finish to my guitar?
Yes. Students apply a hand-rubbed oil finish to their instruments as part of the building process.
While finishing is discussed throughout the program, the primary focus remains on developing strong guitar making skills and completing a well-built instrument. The hand-rubbed oil finish provides an attractive, durable finish that students can confidently apply themselves during the course.
Do I require my own hardware? What is included?
All woods and basic hardware required for the program are included in the course cost. We use quality tone-woods and components selected to provide students with a rewarding building experience and a finished instrument they can be proud of.
Students are welcome to discuss alternative materials or specialty components prior to the program, though additional costs may apply.
I still have questions. Can you help?
Of course. If you have additional questions about our programs, application process, or guitar making training, please contact the school directly. We're always happy to help prospective students determine whether a program is a good fit.
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