Guitar Repair & Restoration Course
$1,200
The Guitar Repair and Restoration course teaches the essential procedures for a variety of repairs, addressing damage, aging, and wear on any stringed instrument.
Students are encouraged to bring as many instruments as they like to work on themselves in the hands-on portion of this course. In fact, realizing repairs on student instruments often more than offsets the cost of tuition!
The instructor, Ian Schneller, will share proprietary repair techniques gathered from over 35 years of luthiery experience, reference traditional repair methods, and demonstrate the proper use of a variety of specialized hand tools and power tools. In addition to observing a variety of repairs, students will learn about materials, components, tools, and various glues and how to use them properly.
The skills and knowledge base taught in this course are a must for the guitar builder, instrument repair technician, or anyone interested in instrument restoration.
This course is part of our Guitar Technician Program.
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Materials
Students are encouraged to bring instruments to work on in this course.
Materials, components or hardware the student chooses to use for their repair project are not included in the fee. The instructor will be available to advise on items to purchase either through the school or on one's own. -
Classroom
Class size is limited to 8 students.
Course is taught in a professional guitar service shop equipped with 8 individual workbenches stocked with specialized tools necessary for the course work. -
Fee
Course fee includes instruction, reference guide, use of a workbench and all shop supplies necessary.
Please note that all registrations are final and non-refundable.
In the event that a student cannot attend a class, written notice must be given in advance to receive a credit to be used on another tuition.
Valid credit may be transferred to another course date, or to another student, if so desired. -
Workshop Safety
While we make every effort to keep the CSGM workshop clean it can be dusty and at times noisy. We recommend hearing, respiratory, and eye protection be used when working in the shop. We have this safety equipment available for use or purchase when in class and it is the students responsibility to exercise diligent use of these safety measures.
Course Description
This class includes lectures, demonstrations and hands-on work, offering the student a solid foundation upon which to commence their luthiery studies.
Lectures explain the fundamental mechanical operation of the guitar and all other stringed instruments.
Demonstrations teach repair techniques and fundamental luthiery skills, and will address different playing styles and the pros and cons of various products and hardware.
The hands-on portion of the workshop offers the student an opportunity to work at the bench and exercise their knowledge from the lessons learned. Students are encouraged to bring instruments to work on in the hands-on portion of this course.
Topics include:
- Headstock break
- Crack repair
- Neck resets
- Gluing
- Clamping
- Brace repair
- Bridge replacement
- Saddle alterations
- Minor fret repair
- Finish retouching
- Set-up principles
- Electronics troubleshooting
- Drill press
- Belt sander
- Tool kit
- Setting up a home workshop
