Build your own guitar in a hands-on workshop led by a working luthier. Find a guitar building class near you, or ask us to bring one to your city.
Each workshop is organized and led by an independent luthier in their own city. They set the schedule, the class size, the price, and everything that happens at the bench. Guitar Kit World supplies the kits and helps spread the word.
Find a class near you
| City | Instructors | What it is |
|---|---|---|
 Baltimore, MD |
Ohad Barbibay and Matt Rector | Four Saturdays at the Baltimore Node Hackerspace. Registration open for October. |
| Fairfax, VA |
Kalimar Maia | Small-group weekend class at Nova Labs. Next date to be announced. |
Not in one of those cities? Ask for a guitar building class in yours. Tell us where you are and we will look for a luthier there.
What happens in a class
You start with a kit and finish with an instrument you can plug in and play.
- Shaping. Laying out the body, cutting, sanding, and getting the contours right.
- Fretwork. Levelling, crowning, and dressing the frets so the neck plays clean.
- Finishing. Grain prep, stain or paint, and building a finish that lasts.
- Wiring. Pickups, pots, switch, and jack, soldered and tested.
- Setup. Neck relief, action, intonation, and a final play test.
- Take it home. A playable electric guitar you built yourself.
No prior experience is required. These instructors teach complete beginners regularly.
Meet the instructors
- Ohad Barbibay and Matt Rector, Baltimore — two working luthiers who co-teach every session.
- Kalimar Maia, Fairfax — builder and educator whose instruments are played on stage.
Would rather build at home? Browse blank DIY guitar kits.
Questions about a specific class? Comment on that city’s topic. That is the most direct way to reach the people running it.