CNC for Guitar Making
- Michael Whitney
- Dec 17, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
CAD, CAM, CNC, and the Modern Guitar Maker
Thank you for your interest in CNC for Guitar Making.
While we are no longer offering an on-site dedicated CNC for Guitar Making Course, this article remains available as a resource for builders interested in learning more about CAD, CAM, and CNC machining as they relate to guitar making and small-shop manufacturing.
Due to continued interest in digital design and manufacturing workflows, we have considered developing a comprehensive online training program focused specifically on CAD, CAM, CNC machining, and their application to guitar building.
If this is something you would be interested in, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Your feedback will help us determine whether an online training program is something we should pursue in the future.
Michael Whitney | Luthier, Instructor
Interested in Learning the CNC for Guitar Making?
CNC machines have been used by guitar manufacturers for decades because they provide a high degree of accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency. From simple jigs, templates, and fixtures to complete guitar design and production workflows, CNC technology has become an important tool in many modern shops.
Rather than replacing traditional woodworking skills, the CNC should be viewed as another tool available to the builder—one that can improve consistency, reduce repetitive tasks, and free up more time for design, craftsmanship, and problem solving.
But Isn't the CNC 'Cheating'?
Make no mistake—the CNC is not magic. There is no secret "guitar button" that instantly produces a finished instrument. A CNC machine will do exactly what it is instructed to do—nothing more and nothing less.
Anyone who has spent time learning CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) quickly discovers that CNC work requires an entirely different set of skills. Designing accurate models, creating effective toolpaths, selecting tooling, and troubleshooting machining operations all require both technical knowledge and creative problem solving.
While some purists may argue that CNC technology has no place in a traditional luthier's shop, the same argument could be made about many modern power tools. In reality, CNC technology is simply another tool available to the builder.
In my view, combining traditional woodworking skills with modern digital manufacturing techniques allows builders to take advantage of the strengths of both approaches. The result is often greater consistency, improved efficiency, and more time to focus on design, craftsmanship, and the finer details of the instrument.
What Can CNC Technology Bring to Guitar Making?
In short, CNC technology offers guitar builders a powerful way to improve accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency while expanding what is possible from both a design and manufacturing perspective.
For professional builders, CNC machining can help streamline production, improve consistency between instruments, and reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks. For hobbyists and small-shop makers, CNC technology opens the door to creating custom parts, templates, fixtures, molds, and components that would otherwise be difficult or time-consuming to produce by hand.
Learning CAD and CAM also encourages builders to think differently about design. Concepts that may be difficult to visualize on paper can be modeled, refined, and tested digitally before a single piece of wood is cut.
Whether your goal is to build guitars professionally, support an existing woodworking business, or simply explore a new creative outlet, an understanding of digital design and CNC machining can become a valuable addition to your skillset.
Typical Areas of Study
When we offered our CNC for Guitar Making Course, students progressed through a structured learning path designed to build confidence in both digital design and CNC manufacturing workflows.
CAD Fundamentals: Sketching, constraints, drafting techniques, and 3D modeling using guitar-making projects as practical examples.
CAM Fundamentals: Toolpath creation, feeds and speeds, tooling selection, machine setup, workholding strategies, and G-code generation.
Guitar Design Applications: Designing templates, fixtures, molds, necks, bodies, pickguards, bridges, and other guitar components.
CNC Machining: Machine setup, material preparation, test machining, troubleshooting, and production of guitar parts using CNC technology.
Finishing & Assembly: Sanding, fitting, assembly, and integrating CNC-produced components into finished instruments and projects.
Student Spotlight
HARRISON VOS - 1 MONTH GRADUATE, OREGON USA
Mike was an absolute pleasure to have as a teacher! His products are up to the highest standards, and his program was equally well-constructed and delivered. If woodworking [or] guitar building, interest you, you should seriously consider taking a course with Mike. -Harrison Vos | Eugene Oregon, USA
Student Spotlight
MILES STALEY - 2 MONTH GRADUATE, KELOWNA BC, CANADA
The course was very project-based and focused on hands-on learning... I implore any aspiring (or experienced!) creatives interested in learning guitar making, to explore this wonderful opportunity! -Miles Staley | Kelowna, BC Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you still offering the CNC for Guitar Making Course?
No. We are no longer offering the on-site CNC for Guitar Making Course as part of our regular course calendar.
Will the CNC course return in the future?
At this time there are no plans to reintroduce the on-site program. However, we have considered developing an online training program focused on CAD, CAM, CNC machining, and their application to guitar building.
What software and equipment were used in the course?
The program explored CAD and CAM workflows using industry-standard software and CNC equipment commonly found in small-shop and professional manufacturing environments. Specific software and hardware platforms may evolve over time as technology continues to develop.
I would be interested in an online CNC course. What should I do?
We'd love to hear from you. If an online CNC training program is something that would interest you, please contact us or leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us determine whether future online training is a viable direction for the school.
Can CNC technology benefit hobbyists as well as professional builders?
Absolutely. Whether you're building guitars professionally, running a small woodworking business, or simply pursuing a creative hobby, CAD, CAM, and CNC technology can provide valuable tools for design, repeatability, and manufacturing efficiency.
I still have questions. Can you help?
Absolutely. If you have questions about CNC technology, guitar making, our extended guitar building programs, or a potential future online CNC training program, feel free to contact us. We'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Interested in Learning the CNC for Guitar Making?
Over the years we've received a surprising amount of interest in CNC, CAD, and CAM as they relate to guitar building and small-shop manufacturing. As a result, we've considered developing a comprehensive online training program focused on these topics.
If an online CNC training program is something that would interest you, we'd love to hear from you.
Interested in Building Guitars?
Whether your interest lies in acoustic guitars, electric guitars, traditional hand-tool techniques, or modern manufacturing methods, we offer a range of immersive guitar building experiences designed to help students develop practical skills and confidence at the bench.
Explore our current guitar building programs and course offerings to learn more.
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