Sound Guitar Workshop

SOUND GUITAR WORKSHOP IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to all my students, friends, and co-teachers for ten years of fun with sharp tools. I'll miss you all! To future students of lutherie, I can recommend the Summit School on Vancouver Island, classes taught by Charles Fox in Portland OR, and anything taught by Sergei de Jonge. If you want to have a wonderful time while making a guitar, get in touch with my Italian co-instructor, Noemi Schembri. She has begun offering classes in Italy similar to the ones we co-taught in past years.

Happy students, three new guitars, and a good time was had by all! Standby for next year's dates!

I am offering a six-week apprenticeship at Sound Guitar Workshop from July 10 to August 20. The apprentice will work closely with me to prepare:
— three guitar “kits” for our Intro to Guitar Making class,
— at least one guitar to be shown at the Woodstock Guitar Showcase in October,
— and one personal guitar which will be the property of the apprentice.

Emphasis will be on precision, efficiency, and evolving a more complete understanding of the guitar. Skills will include use of all common woodworking machinery and hand tools, wood selection, inlay of various types, wood bending, soundboard voicing, neck carving, and coffee appreciation.

Some repair work may be available under the supervision of the Sound Guitar Repair staff.

The apprentice must have significant woodworking experience, including construction of at least one guitar or similar instrument. An in-person interview is required and either samples or a portfolio of completed work. Having your own edge tools is a bonus.

Tuition is $6000, including materials for one guitar, use of shop machines, and morning espresso.

Guitarmaking in Italy is back!

THIS CLASS IS NOW FILLED!! Sorry if you missed this opportunity — please get in touch if you're interested in a future class in the Veneto!

We're well on our way to holding another 2-week guitar building class in Italy! Two weeks in the hilly Prosecco grape growing region near Valdobbiadene north of Venice, building guitars during the day, enjoying the food, culture, and people of the Veneto in the evenings ...

This year's class will start on August 27 and run to September 11. We'll stay in our own villa (breakfast provided), then take a short walk to the shop of our hostess and co-teacher, Noemi Schembri, where we'll create some mighty fine guitars. A good day in the shop is followed by some time to relax (often with a snack and some local Prosecco) before dinner.

The region is one of Italy's most historic and beautiful. It's in the foothills of the Alps and there are walking/biking paths throughout the area. Nearby are the lovely old towns of Asolo, Bassano del Grappa, Vittorio Veneto, Treviso, Padua ... so many! And Venezia herself is a short train ride away.

Total cost, including 14 nights in the villa, all materials, and a hardshell case to help get your guitar home safely, is a mere $4500!

Call or write soon!

Summer Camp is officially over! Everyone completed their guitars (up to the point of applying finish) and seemed to have a good time! Noemi's back in Italy, or is it Germany this week? And, it's back to making some guitars of my own now that the shop is cleaned and re-organized.
Next class? Probably after New Year's. I've got to make some guitars for clients and some for the Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase (October 23-25, Woodstock NY). As soon as we return from that show, we'll be hosting a student from the Musikinstrumentakademien near Stockholm for November and December.
But stay in touch! There will be some good stuff next year ...

Newly added: Intro to Inlay, June 20, 10 to 6. A one-day, hands-on introduction to the fabulous world of inlay. $125

We'll start by examining the materials -- mother of pearl, abalone, and other shells, recon stone, metals, synthetics, and woods. Then we'll learn what makes a good inlay pattern (and a little bit about creating a pattern from a photo or drawing). We will practice cutting simple designs from mother of pearl and inlaying them. Finally, we'll work on more complex patterns such as guitar/uke/banjo headstock designs, inlay and level and polish them!

Class size is limited, call (206-547-1407) or write for more info and to register.

Some recent pictures of the newly refurbished villa where we'll stay. Looks OK, doesn't it? Thanks to Noemi for visiting and taking the pics!

The July Guitar Making Summer Camp is just about sold-out. There are a couple of people who haven't placed their deposit yet so ... I'm starting a waiting list in case a spot opens up. But better yet -- sign up for the Guitar Making in Italy class!

Hey Guitarists -- The inimitable Cat is holding a set up class, Tuesday May 19, 7-9 pm. Bring a guitar, see a set up done, then do your own! Limited to four, drop a note if you want to join!

The Summer Guitar Making Camp is filling up! I now have three students signed up -- there's room for one more only. You don't want to miss this special edition Intro to Guitar Making.

NEW LISTING!
We're going to do our Guitar Making in Italy class again!

Like last year, it will be hosted by luthier Noemi Schembri in her shop north of Venice, from September 13 to 27. The setting is lovely, the shop is cozy and perfect for THREE students -- that's all we're going to take this year -- and we'll stay in our own villa! How perfect can it get? Instructors will be Rick, Cat, and Noemi so the student/teacher ratio is unbeatable!
The area is great for biking, walking, and touristing. It's a short train ride to Padova (Padua), Verona, Treviso, and -- of course -- Venice. The lovely Veneto towns of Valdobbiadene, Vittorio Veneto, Bassano del Grappa, and Asolo are a short drive. And we'll be in the heart of Prosecco country during the harvest! More information on the Sound Guitar Workshop website, www.soundguitarworkshop.com