Students in this challenging and rewarding course will make a steel string guitar from raw materials. At the beginning of the semester, students will learn the basics of steel string guitar construction. Then in teams produce (production-style) basic guitar parts. Once the basic parts are complete, students will construct their own guitar by hand.

The time-line for this class is very tight; therefore, students must be committed to finishing and allow for extra work-time outside of class. The cost of materials will be approximately $100 to $150. Enrollment in the class will be limited to students with prior woodworking experience. Students may retake the course and explore more advanced techniques or build other stringed instruments.

SPRING, 2002 CLASS
The class was divided into six teams. Each team mass-produced part blanks for the other members of the class. After several weeks of working in teams, the parts were passed out and students began shaping and building their individual guitars.

Curtis Chism supplied the photographs illustrating the guitar building process.
Go to Slide Show - 11 Photos

GUITAR MAKERS