Official Luthiers Forum!

I am very much so interested in pursuing the field of being a luthier but would like to know some more about it. For example is there some type of certification you have to get before you are able to practice, tools needed, recommendations?

I don't mean to be snip here, but check out the archives for threads on becoming a luthier. There are tons of them. This question is asked by lots of new members, who are interested. First, there is no certification, and not many formal school's, and apprenticeships are very hard to find. You will do yourself a favor to do a lot of reading. "Guitarmaking, Tradition and Technology" by William Cumpiano, is a good introduction to guitar construction, tools required, methods of constructing both steel string and classical guitars. His website also has updates and corrections to the book, and a great question and answer section that covers a lot of questions that arise from those who are or have reading/read the book. there are many other books too, depending on which direction you are interested in.

Making a living at it, is a whole different question, and most will probably tell you to learn to run a business before trying it. Most don't even think of that. Also, be prepared to remain poor for a number of years while you build your business, or be independently wealthy, or have a nice paying job or pension while you learn to build. There is no easy way.

I would recommend an extensive search of archives, using any key words you can think of. Go through the threads, and see what the answers were. They are there, and some of these guys get tired of re-typing the same stuff over and over. I bet there is even, at least, one thread still in the active threads in the Main Discussion Forum, which is where this one should be.

Other than that, welcome to the OLF. I would also recommend that you introduce yourself, and maybe set up a signature with a name in it. Folks respond better when they have an identity to respond to. You will find tons of info here if you dig for it. But, learn to dig, because that's what you are going to have to do to become a luthier, and be able to get your questions answered, as there are no easy answers. However, the best way to start, is to build a guitar and see if you even like it.

All that said. I'm not one who should be giving advice in this area. I have only built one, and am not making a living at this.

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Waddy

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Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Well said Waddy!

Clueless welcome to the OLF!

Clueless,

I have to disagree with one of these post's advice to you. There are schools of luthiery in the U.S. and other countries. One of the oldest and best schools in located in Phoenix, Az. It is called Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery. They have a website. Check it out!

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Janet

--Nope--

You can start to practice as soon as you want.
You -will- need some tools and some reading material, and lots and lots of "practice"

There are place's where you can go to get educated in guitar making. As mentioned, Roberto-Venn, also Bryan Galloups school and others. That said, I would highly recommend having some wood working experience under your belt before you shell out for tuition.
These schools are great for honing your skills and I am sure they shorten the learning curve. BUT you don't want to go in having never pushed a chisel.

If it were me I would probably do what Waddy suggests, read all you can find on the subject, both on the Internet and in print. Maybe consider buying a low cost "Kit" and build it to get an idea of what makes a guitar tic. Then go enroll into a good program.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Ouch! Didn't mean to step on any toes, as I am a newbie to the forum. I just didn't want Clueless to dismiss checking out any potential schools of luthiery. The original answer that was posted came across to me as having a somewhat negative connotation. It sorta had a "you'll have to fend for yourself" type tone. I just wanted to put out the positive vibe that there are schools you can attend and they are there to help you. I wasn't implying that you had to go to a school to receive any type of certification, however, there are schools that are accredited and you will get a luthier's certificate from the school upon graduation, which won't hurt you if you get in business and have it hanging on the wall. Whew! ....... give me a break, I'm new to this "forum" stuff.

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Janet

Hi Janet and Welcome to the OLF!

This actually is a great topic, and your information was good information! No problem from my perspective.

I do however think "Clueless" is long gone, since this topic was started almost a year ago.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

JP no prob my friend and I am sure no one intended to sound negative towards you or the original poster.

Welcome to the OLF by the way!

You might want to put at least a first name in your signature block so that folks can treat you respectfully and use your name. Also posts with a name get far more replies as well.

BTW I looked at the date of the original post and it's possible that since almost a year has passed the original poster has retired by now....

I will do the signature block thing as soon as I can figure it out! J is my initial of my first name which is Janet. So do I still need to put it in my signature block? Help!

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Janet

Hi Janet - I sent you a private message that may be helpful to you.

Thanks

Being a luthier is not like being a lawyer or something but you will have to read lots of stuff and build/repair lots of stringed instruments (not limited to guitars) and be prepared to make lots of mistakes. There are schools out there but being a professional luthier will require that you know how to run a business and as far as getting a job at Fender/Gibson/Martin well there aren't really that many manufacturers out there and alot of them outsource their production overseas to cut cost. Besides it doesn't take much skill working at Fender because you're essentially an assembly line worker, so you might bend sides all day (using a machine that does it at the push of a button of course) or whatever.

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