5-Week Acoustic Guitar Building Course
- Michael Whitney
- Dec 18, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar From the Ground Up
Thank you for your interest in our 5-Week Acoustic Guitar Building Course.
Designed for students who want to build a fine steel-string acoustic guitar in a focused, one-on-one environment, this immersive program guides you through every major stage of the building process—from raw wood to completed instrument.
Whether you're a hobbyist looking to experience the craft firsthand or an aspiring luthier taking your first steps into guitar making, this course provides a rewarding hands-on introduction to acoustic guitar construction.
Michael Whitney | Luthier, Instructor
What Can I Expect from the 5-Week Acoustic Guitar Building Course?
Students enrolled in this course will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to build their own steel-string acoustic guitar from the ground up.
Working one-on-one in a professional guitar making shop, students will build a Parlour, OO, OOO, OM, or Dreadnought guitar using established shop templates, jigs, and processes while learning the techniques required to complete a high-quality instrument.
Throughout the course, students are guided through every major stage of construction including stock preparation, side bending, rim assembly, bracing, neck construction, fretwork, setup, and finishing.
Course Snapshot
Below is a general overview of what students can expect during the 5-Week Acoustic Guitar Building Course.
WEEK 1: Material preparation, soundboard and back plate joining, rosette installation, side bending, and rim assembly.
WEEK 2: Bracing the soundboard and back, closing the soundbox, binding and purfling installation, and neck construction begins.
WEEK 3: Neck carving, fretboard preparation, bridge construction, and final body preparation.
WEEK 4: Finishing, neck fitting, hardware installation, and assembly.
WEEK 5: Fretwork, setup, final adjustments, and bringing the guitar to playing condition.
Due to individual pace and learning style, exact timelines may vary. The focus of the course is to guide students through the complete construction of a steel-string acoustic guitar while developing the skills and confidence to continue building in the future.
Student Spotlight
ROD SCOTT, COEUR D'ALENE IDAHO USA
I recently returned from taking one of Michael’s acoustic guitar building courses. I spent 20 intensive days milling the parts, joining, setup, and finishing. I now have an impressive OM for my collection. Michael is patient, easy to work with, and very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the course and learned a lot! I highly recommend Whitney Guitars and Michael! -Rod Scott, Idaho USA
5-Week Acoustic Guitar Building Course Details
Certificate Program Yes |
Course Type On-site; hands-on; one-on-one. |
Style Parlour, OO, OOO, OM, or Dreadnought |
SOUNDBOARD Sitka Spruce, Engelmann Spruce, or Cedar |
Body Wood Mahogany, Rosewood or Walnut |
Neck Wood Mahogany |
Nut Bone |
Fretboard Ebony or Rosewood |
Finish Hand-rubbed oil finish |
Course Duration 5 Weeks |
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 course calendar and booking page for current availability and upcoming course dates.
How do I register?
Prospective students can review available course dates and submit a registration deposit through our booking page. Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and spaces are limited. A registration deposit is required to reserve your place in the course calendar.
Additional information regarding scheduling, deposits, and course preparation will be provided following registration..
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 register as far in advance as possible.
If a course is full, we are happy to add interested students 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.
Students are guided through the surface preparation and finishing process and will leave with a completed instrument ready to play and enjoy.
Do I require my own hardware? What is included?
All required woods, materials, and standard hardware 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, registration 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.
Comments