18 Week Lutherie Program

Accepting Applications for July. 2, 2014 now! (2013 School Term is Booked)

The Lado School of Lutherie provides both theoretical and practical instruction on custom guitar crafting and repair. Students will learn the foundations for both acoustic and electric guitar applications. Course duration is 18 weeks and provides 720 hours on hands on training. Class schedules are Monday - Friday during the hours of 9:00am through 5:00pm.

Students, during the initial eight (8) weeks will be taught in-depth manufacturing processes and will become familiarized with specialty tools and machinery. This core instruction period provides the foundation for subsequent hands-on training followed by the crafting of your own instrument. During this segment of the course, students are thoroughly trained on both basic and major repairs for both acoustic and electric guitars.

During the duration of the course, students will receive step by step instruction and guidance while building their own instrument. Students may choose to craft an acoustic or electric guitar or bass.

Note: Student project designs must utilize a pre-existing mold utilized by the Lado factory. In addition, a complete lutherie student handbook will be compiled over the 18 week period and taken home for ongoing reference.

Course synopsis:

Major Repairs:

• Removal of pre-existing or damaged finishes.
• Re-sanding
• Dressing,installing frets,and removal of neck with reset.
• Set-ups and configuration.
• Finishes and spraying.
• Cutting and installing pearl inlays.
• Adhering and installation of bridges and nuts.
• Crack and headstock repair.

Electric Guitar & Bass

• Construction of neck-through-body designs and 2 piece guitar configurations.
• Selection of craft wood and cutting techniques.
• Assembly of body, neck and gluing of body wings.
• Fingerboard cutting and fretwork.
• Sanding, finishing, and spraying.
• Sealing, wet sanding, and lacquer.
• Buffing, electronics, and assembly.

Acoustic Guitar:

• Bending and bracing.
• Top and back joints.
• Moulding and sanding.
• Fretwork.
• Binding Installation.
• Wood re-saw techniques.
• Overhead and handheld rotor techniques.