2 MONTHS (320 TOTAL HOURS)
CLASS: TOOLING 1 – Tools, Cauls and Templates – 20 hrs
To be a successful luthier you’ll need the tools to get the job done. Depending on the areas of building and repair you move into, one of these three packages should fit your needs. If necessary we will custom-build a package to fit your budget. For the rest of the program, you will continue to expand your toolbox by building the cauls, jigs and templates necessary to be a successful luthier so you can hit the ground running wherever you set up shop.
We do not profit from your tool purchase. All tools purchased through the Galloup School of Guitar Building and Repair are purchased at our cost. In many cases, our suppliers offer student discounts to you while you are attending our school. We strongly recommend you take advantage of our services and purchase your tools at this time in the program. Tool package costs vary depending on tool prices at the time of purchase, and shipping charges will be in addition to the costs of tools.
In addition, there are many specialty tools you will need to perform your job that can’t be purchased – you need to make them. You’ll have used many of these school-owned items in the program by this point, and have become familiar with them. This is the time to make note of every specialty item used at the Galloup School to create a detailed catalog of what you’ll need once you open your own shop. If needed, our CNC is available for hire to produce all of the jigs and cauls used at the school and they may be customized to your personal instruments design.
CLASS: DESIGN 1- Guitar Layout and Design – 20 hrs
Over the next four months, you will design an acoustic guitar, including a detailed layout drawing. You’ll be provided with the necessary drafting tools and a checklist of required topics, and you will be graded on your design. This painstaking exercise will give you a solid understanding of guitar layout and design, plus an original instrument you can start building when you’ve completed the Master Program.
You Choose the Instrument You’ll Build in Term 2
Choose any one of the instruments below to build in Term 2 of your Master training (not the same instrument you elect to build in Term 3).
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CLASS: VOICING, LEVEL 2 – Materials Measurement and Data Collection – 10 hrs
New concepts in measurement and data collection, helping the student understand and quantify the material properties of wood.
Topics covered:
- Using measurements to select materials
- The value of quality materials
- Importance of record keeping
- New data collection methods
- Material properties of wood: density, Modulus of elasticity,
- Determining Modulus of Elasticity
- Dynamic and static determination of Modulus of Elasticity
- How to obtain and measure a tap tone
- Using an FFT analyzer
- Speed of sound and quality
- Thickness sanding to a deflection
- Utilizing MOE, speed of sound, quality measurements
- Setting standards for top plates
Business Plan: Level Two – 5 hours
Now that you’ve completed Term One of your Journeyman’s Class Training you’ve set into motion your area of interest the instruments you intend to focus on. The next step is to decide what’s the next instrument to further your training and what are the tools you’ll need depending on your business plan.