Event Organizer: Specimen Products
Organizer Email: info@specimenproducts.com
Event Phone: 773.489.4830
Event Status: Upcoming
Categories: Guitar Building
Dates and Times:- February 11 & 12
February 11, 2017 - February 12, 2017
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - February 25 & 26
February 25, 2017 - February 26, 2017
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Event Venue: CHICAGO SCHOOL OF GUITAR MAKING
Description: [T]his hands-on workshop offers students the opportunity to build their very own acoustic guitar under the watchful eye of an experienced luthier in Specimen’s fully equipped workshop. Presentations and demonstrations will inform the hands-on application of the tools and the theories that constitute fine luthiery. Students will work towards building their very own Martin-style OOO with either Mahogany or Rosewood back and sides. And now, for the first time, we are also offering a Martin-style Dreadnought as an option. Students will be introduced to the unique process of luthiery while effectively establishing a skillful approach to woodworking.
Description
This class is formatted as part lecture and part demonstration with lots of hands on work. In depth demonstration of each step will precede students working on their instruments. We will move forward through the build in this manner.
Working from a pre-packaged kit of roughly formed components and pre bent sides, this course is designed both for students with little to no experience and also those with intermediate experience. Our goal is to cast a wide net into the realm of woodworking, with a finished guitar as proof of application.
A few of the many tooling demonstrations include:
• Clamping and gluing
• Caul making
• Sanding and scraping
• Chisels and knives
• Rasps and files
• Handsaws
• Routers and router bits
• Band saw
• Table saw
• Drill Press
• Belt sander/spindle sander
• Specialized guitar tools
• Fretting tools
We will not cover finishing techniques in the course. Students are encouraged to take the Finishing Techniques Workshop, but also have the option to have their guitar finished for them by a Specimen/CSGM professional.
While not mandatory, we also recommend that students take our Fretting class to obtain complete precision in this step of the building process.
Workshop Materials and Supplies
Everything needed for building the guitars will be included in the kit and provided by the School. We will go over the tools necessary for a home shop throughout the course for those interested in taking the art to a private space. The kits come with an in depth instruction book
Useful handout materials will also be provided.
Each student will be given class time occupancy of one of Specimen’s unique guitar workbenches, as well as storage for materials outside of class.
Schedule
4 full days, over 2 separate weekends
10am - 5 pm
This class will run Saturday and Sunday over two separate weekends. The building procedure starts with a sequence of specific steps, alternating between neck and body work. Once these begin to take shape, students tend to work at different paces, but we all start at the beginning and move forward together. This class will get most students off to a good start on their build and some through a good portion of the build by the end of the two weekends. It should be noted that there is no way to complete the build during these two weekends. In order to finish making the guitar, more time will need to be spent either in additional classes, with pro rated shop access at the school, or on the students own.
Taking advantage of the the specially designed workbenches, tools, and the expertise of Specimen/CSGM luthiers is a special opportunity.
Shop access is available at two different rates. $60 an hour with instruction from a CSGM teacher, or $30 an hour for basic access to the facility and tools. Many students come in and receive one or two hours of instruction and basic access for the balance of that day. This helps keep the fees at more manageable level and allows the student to work at their own pace more easily.
Enrollment
Enrollment is limited to 8 students. Due to the lead time necessary to order kit materials, this course registration generally ends 15 days prior to class start.
Fee
Tuition fee: $1680 +
$493 Mahogany back and sides
OR
$525 Rosewood back and sides
Tuition includes instruction, hands-on workshop with dedicated guitar bench, use of specialized tools and the shop supplies necessary for the completion of this project. Tuition also includes a catered lunch and refreshments each day of class.
Instructor
Ian Schneller Ian is the founder and chief instructor of the Chicago School of Guitar Making. Ian teaches Design & Theory + Blueprint Course, Electric Guitar Building, Tube Amp Building and Champ Tube Amp Building. He is also a faculty member of the Sculpture Department at the School of the Art Institute and owner of Specimen Products.
How to Register:
Registrations are limited to 8 students. You can register for any of our classes on-line, by phone, or in person.
Register Online
Make your selection of the class dates you wish to attend (and if applicable, the type of kit) in Available Dates column on the upper right of this page and click ENROLL NOW > Enter the required information and then proceed to pay by clicking the Paypal button and choose your method of payment.
NOTE: It is NOT necessary to have a Paypal account to use their service.
Register by Phone 773.489.4830
Call us if you prefer to register over the phone with your credit card. We will send you a confirmation via email, or by snail mail if you prefer.
Register in Person
Come by the shop during business hours and enroll using cash, credit card, or a personal check.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 12 – 7
Saturday: 12 – 5
Map our location
Accommodations:
Click Here for a list of nearby places to stay during seminars, along with transportation information.