Build your own electric guitar in Baltimore, MD with luthiers Ohad Barbibay and Matt Rector.
A four-week hands-on workshop at the Baltimore Node Hackerspace. Craft, assemble, and set up your very own solid-body electric guitar. Two luthiers, real tools, a real instrument you built yourself.
Registration is open for their October workshop. Courtesy of Matt Rector and Ohad Barbibay. Original post on Instagram.
The first Baltimore class is done, and the guitar looks great
Ohad and Matt ran their first Baltimore workshop this spring, and it ended exactly the way you want a build class to end, with a finished, playable electric guitar going home with the person who built it.
It ran as a dedicated session with both luthiers at the bench for every stage. Unboxing the kit, laying out the body, cutting and shaping, fretwork, finish, wiring, and the final setup.
Having a dedicated 2-on-1 setup gave Matt and me the chance to dial in every single step of the process, test our pacing, and figure out how to deliver the best possible hands-on experience at the bench.
Ohad Barbibay, Barbibay Guitars and Pickups
Images courtesy of @barbibayguitars. See the full recap on Instagram.
Ohad and Matt took what they learned from that first run and rebuilt the program around it. The October class is the refined version.
Next workshop: October 2026
Ohad and Matt are running their next four-week class this October at the Baltimore Node Hackerspace, 2106 N Lovegrove St, Baltimore, MD 21218, and registration is open.
From their registration form:
- When: four Saturdays, October 10 to October 31, 10 AM to 2 PM
- Where: Baltimore Node Hackerspace, 2106 N Lovegrove St, Baltimore, MD 21218
- Price: 800 USD, tools and materials included
- Experience: none required
- Baltimore Node membership: not required
- How it works: submitting their form reserves a spot. They email an invoice, and registration is confirmed once that invoice is paid.
They set the schedule, the class size, and everything that comes with it, so get the details straight from them:
- See their announcement: Barbibay Guitars on Instagram
- Sign up: their registration form. They will send an invoice to confirm your spot.
- Ask them anything: message @barbibayguitars or @rectorguitars directly on Instagram.
Spots are limited and the class is small by design, so reach out early if you want one.
Your instructors
Ohad Barbibay (@barbibayguitars)
Luthier behind Barbibay Guitars and Pickups, based in Baltimore.
Matt Rector (@rectorguitars)
Luthier behind Rector Guitars and Ukuleles, based in Baltimore.
More about Ohad and Matt, and builds from their classes: Guitar building class in Baltimore, MD.
Why this workshop
- Two working luthiers, one class. Ohad of Barbibay Guitars and Pickups and Matt of Rector Guitars and Ukuleles co-teach every session. Two instructors, personal attention.
- Small group, hands-on. You work with real tools, real wood, and real guidance in a Baltimore makerspace built for serious builders.
- Four weeks, real commitment. Not a one-day demo. Four weeks of focused build time with your instructors.
- Build a real instrument. You walk out with a playable electric guitar that you assembled, shaped, and set up yourself.
- Baltimore Node Hackerspace. Workshops run at a well-equipped makerspace with the space and tools for proper guitar building.
What to expect
- A hands-on build experience guided by your luthier
- Time to shape, assemble, finish, and set up your guitar
- Direct instruction and feedback throughout the workshop
- A playable electric guitar you built yourself to take home at the end
Exact format, tools provided, and what is included will be confirmed by the instructor when you register.
Gallery
Images courtesy of @barbibayguitars and @rectorguitars.
Videos
Workshop announcement from Matt Rector and Ohad Barbibay. Courtesy of Matt Rector and Ohad Barbibay. Original post on Instagram.
A finishing detail from a Barbibay Guitars workshop build. Courtesy of Ohad Barbibay. Original post on Instagram.
Workshop details
Each workshop is organized and led by an independent luthier. Specific details, such as exact format, schedule, pricing, class size, and what is provided, are determined by the instructor and shared when you register and confirm your spot with them directly.
Connect with the instructors
- Ohad on Instagram: @barbibayguitars
- Matt on Instagram: @rectorguitars
- Workshop venue: Baltimore Node Hackerspace
Interested?
Comment below with your experience level and what you hope to learn, or message Ohad and Matt directly on Instagram to ask about the class and sign up.
Not in Baltimore?
See every city with a guitar building workshop, or ask for a class in your city. Building at home instead? Browse blank DIY guitar kits.