Guitar & Bass Setup and Maintenance Course
- This course consists of four 2-1/2 hour classes. Our May-June session is now full. We will open another weekly session soon. We have a Weekend Seminar version of this course now open for enrollment. It runs Saturday & Sunday, July 26 - 27, 2008. Click here for a description and to register.
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The course instructor is Ian Schneller, owner/luthier of Specimen Guitar Shop. All classes are held at Specimen located at 1240 N. Homan Ave. in Chicago, Illinois. Click here for a map.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will explain the fundamental mechanical operation of the guitar. This includes all types of guitars (acoustic and electric) and bass guitars. From here the student will gain the knowledge and techniques necessary to put any guitar into balance for optimal playability and tonality.
photo/David EngelEach class is divided into part lecture, part demonstration, and part hands-on workshop. We encourage students to bring their own instruments to class where they can be worked on and used for class demonstration. Students will have the opportunity to work on their own instruments and receive feedback from the instructor during the class. Useful handout materials will also be provided. Enrollment is limited to 9 students.
In this course, we will address different instruments, playing styles, and the pros and cons of various products and hardware. Other topics include:
- string height
- intonation/saddle compensation
- neck relief
- neck pitch
- truss rod adjustment
- string break angles
- selecting string gauges and types
- height of strings at nut
- basic electronics
- fret wire
- tuning systems
- various tremolo systems
- bridges
- finish care
- tooling
A wealth of information will be covered in this course. Armed with this information, you will be prepared to handle many unpredictable circumstances that for most musicians would be show-stoppers.
Learning the elusive craft of setting up a stringed instrument for optimal playability and tonality will reward every musician with a greater understanding and appreciation of their instrument. Whether or not you decide to perform your own maintenance in the future, taking this course will enable you to deal confidently with the local luthier and to have the best interests of your instrument in mind.
Fee: $220
Go here to register for the Guitar & Bass Setup and Maintenance Course.
- Go here to view the school schedule for a complete listing of the classes we offer including both full and open sessions.
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