INTRODUCTION
The guitar making course gives the opportunity to somebody having this dream, to build his own classical guitar, using traditional construction techniques. I prefer to teach 3 students at a time , to be able to give the appropriate attention to everybody during the course.The small group course session will take place with a minimum of two students.The one to one course is possible too, but with differents conditions.(see pricelist)
I use the French way of building, the body and neck of the instrument are build separately, and assembled with tenon and mortise, and that’s the way i will teach.
DURATION
The course runs for 4 weeks, 5 days a week, and during that time the student will build his classical guitar, using only raw materials, exept the rosette wich can be choosen among the large choice proposed by Maderas Barber: https://maderasbarber.com/tonewood/es/651-bocas-guitarra-clasica.
To varnish the instrument, all we do is a very basic coat of shellac, which is, sufficient to protect the instrument, is adequate for the guitar to be played, and is also a good preparation for french polish later on. In a month , we will not have enough time to varnish the instrument completly, as french polishing is a lengthy process and it isn’t possible to do it in a rush.
During those four weeks i will be there to answer your questions concerning: different styles of construction, construction methods, selecting timbers, sharpening tools and varnishing techniques…..
MATERIALS
The materials supplied to build the instrument .
• Indian rosewood back and sides, bridge and head plate
• German spruce or cedar for the soundboard
• Cedrela for the neck
• Ebony fingerboard
• Machine heads
• Hard case
Other timbers could be supplied if required (this may incur an additional cost)
PRICES
The cost of the small group guitar making course is €4300 which includes materials, but not accommodation.The one to one course is €6500 which includes materials, but not accommodation.
An initial deposit of €800 will be required to secure a place on the course.
A second payment of €1500 is to be paid 2 months prior to the beginning of the course.
The final payment of €2000 will be paid at the beginning of the course.
LOCATION
The workshop is situated in the town of L’Isle sur la Sorgue, in the Provence in the south of France, and public transport provides easy access, 45 minutes from Marseille airport, and close to Avignon TGV station .(see location in the contact page)
Accommodation is very easy to find in the local area, as there’s a lots of holiday rentals all around my workshop.The best way to find places to stay is via the internet, but please feel free to contact me for assistance with this.
DATES
Dates for 2020
- 10TH AUGUST – 4TH SEPTEMBER. (places available)
- 7TH SEPTEMBER – 2ND OCTOBER. (places available)
Dates for 2021
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- 26TH april – 21TH may (places available)
- 7TH june – 2ND july (places available)