Chicago School of Guitar Making

At the end of May, on Sat-Mon the 23rd-25th, we will have another round of Ron Bieganski’s Skills for Acoustic Building class. This course is an incredible opportunity for beginning luthiers to build confidence and deepen their craft. Here are some words from Ron:

“The workshop is about becoming a ‘chef’ in the luthiery world, instead of following a cookbook. My goal is to help you understand the ingredients of a good acoustic guitar and how they work together so that you can develop your own instrument recipes.

We will not build a guitar in this workshop; instead we will focus on building skills and confidence during the most daunting moments of the guitar making process so that you feel well-prepared for your next build.

We will practice making mistakes and fixing them. Ultimately, you will gain confidence the way that all master builders have gained their confidence…through experience.”

**link in bio to reserve your spot**

After receiving so many requests for summer classes, we have decided to offer another volley with a final Chicago-based Guitar Tech Program in the first two weeks of August, and one more Electric Guitar Making Workshop across two weekends, on August 29th and September 5-6th.

These and many more course offerings have spots available over the next few months. Here’s your invitation to come celebrate the end of this very special era, and the dawn of a new one to come. Check out the full course calendar link in our bio.

Also linked - a new newsletter & blog post with a bounty of information about Polo, Illinois and the new Specimen Luthiery in the historic Polo sanctuary. It’s a season of change and we’re excited to see what comes!

Last minute opportunity for acoustic dreamers!! We have two kits still available to build in this weekend’s upcoming Acoustic Guitar Building workshop: an OM Mahogany and a Triple O Rosewood. Both kits promise to make beautiful instruments, they just need you. Come work with Ian Schneller and Ron Bieganski to create a new family heirloom, a guitar to be loved and passed down through generations.

The class spans two long weekends - Sat-Mon March 7-9th + 14-16th. You can sign up for either or both, and continue your build with our guidance during open shop hours.

This will be the last time we offer an acoustic building course in Chicago before our upcoming move to Polo, IL in August. Here’s your ticket! Come celebrate the end of an era with us by building something special.

** link in bio to reserve your spot **

We’ve opened a slew of new classes. These will be the last at CSGM’s Chicago campus before our full move to Polo, IL in early August.

There is much more to say and more will be said in the coming months, but for now, we’re so grateful for more than 25 years in Humboldt Park and hoping to close this chapter with a vibrant season of learning. New faces and old friends - come help us celebrate and join for a class. We’d love to see you.

For those aspiring technicians looking for a deep dive, we’ve got three upcoming Guitar Technician Programs in April, June, and July. Take all of our repair classes in one go, or, join for any of the a la carte classes included in the program to study at your own pace. And for those with weekday jobs, there will be a set of weekend guitar repair classes in May: Guitar Set-Up & Maintenance on Sat May 9th, and Fretting on Sat-Sun May 16-17th.

For tube amplifier enthusiasts or anyone electro-curious, our amp curriculum will return in July for Tube Amp Building with Ian Schneller on Sat-Mon July 18-20th and Tube Amp Diagnostics & Repair I&II with Kye Kennedy on Weds-Thurs July 22-23rd and Sat-Sun July 25-26th. Building and repair classes feed into each other nicely; join for both to up your skills and learn the tricks of the trade.

There’s something for everyone. Here is your chance to chart the course for a lifetime of luthiery. Be a part of Chicago’s rich history of guitar making! Learn how to make things right.

** links to our full course calendar in bio **

Learning is the anti-serum to disillusionment! Put your best foot forward, learn to make things right.

There are still a few spots left in our upcoming Acoustic Guitar Making workshop. Come work with Ian Schneller and Ron Bieganski, and do a first lap in the acoustic guitar building process. There’s no better way than by building a kit.

The class is two long weekends: Sat-Mon, March 7-9th and 14-16th, 11am-5pm. You can attend one or both weekends to jump start your process, and then continue your build with support & guidance during our open shop hours. The world needs more luthiers. Start your journey and master the craft.

All levels welcome, no experience necessary.

** link in bio to reserve your spot **

March 7-9 + 14-16, Sat-Mon, 11am-5pm
Chicago School of Guitar Making
1240 N Homan Ave
Chicago, IL 60651

We have a new class - Guitar 101: Care and Feeding Basics!

During this holiday season, many budding musicians will receive their first stringed instrument. Instruction manuals can be helpful for learning basic chords, but are often lacking when it comes to understanding and attending to the physical needs of the instrument.

This class is designed to help! Under the wing of a seasoned luthier, new guitar owners will learn the basics of stringed instrument care and maintenance. Come and learn how to properly change strings, adjust playability, tune and intonate, and care for your instrument through all seasons.

This class is open to all ages, however, for safety concerns, minors will need to be accompanied by an adult. We encourage students and parents to embark on this journey together — adults accompanying young students will receive a 50% discount on the second class tuition.

**link in bio to reserve your spot!**

January 17, Sat, noon-3pm
January 24, Sat, noon-3pm
February 3, Tues, 6-9pm

Chicago School of Guitar Making
1240 N Homan Ave,
Chicago, IL 60651

In January we’ve got another round of our Guitar Technician program. The tech program is a special series of classes teaching fundamental luthiery principles, repair techniques, shop skills and the knowledge base necessary to be a guitar service professional. Perfect for those preparing for entry into the guitar service and repair industry.

We also have gift cards! Our classes could be the perfect gift for the aspiring luthiers in your life :)

Come join us! All levels welcome, no experience necessary.

** link in bio to reserve your spot **

January 5-22, Monday-Thursday, 11am-5pm
Chicago School of Guitar Making
1240 N Homan Ave
Chicago, IL 60651