Build your own electric guitar in Fairfax, VA with luthier Kalimar Maia.
A small-group, hands-on workshop at Nova Labs. Not just kit assembly. Shape, finish, wire, and set up a real playable instrument with expert guidance.
About Kalimar Maia, your instructor
Kalimar is a builder, educator, and maker with a process-driven approach to guitar building. His guitars are played on stage by working musicians. His Horizon Electric is the live instrument of Dan from the indie rock band Toledo. He focuses on craftsmanship, hands-on learning, and helping students understand not just how to build, but why instruments are designed the way they are.
Why this workshop
- Learn from a working luthier. Kalimar’s guitars aren’t showpieces. They are played on stage by working musicians, including Dan of the indie band Toledo.
- Small group, personal attention. Kalimar teaches in intimate groups at Nova Labs, so every builder gets direct guidance.
- Build a real instrument. You walk out with a playable electric guitar that you shaped, finished, and wired yourself.
- Understand, not just assemble. Kalimar focuses on why instruments are designed the way they are, not only how to put one together.
- Access to a real woodshop. Workshops run out of Nova Labs, a woodshop with the tools builders need.
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.
Upcoming workshop
- Status: To be announced
- Location: Nova Labs, Fairfax, VA
- Register: For the latest updates on Kalimar’s workshops, follow him on Instagram: @mar_mar_guitars
Past workshops
| Date | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| April 11 to 12, 2026 | Nova Labs, Fairfax, VA | Sold out |
Gallery
Student projects from past workshops
Images courtesy of @mar_mar_guitars.
Videos
Workshop preview from Kalimar Maia. Courtesy of Kalimar Maia. Original post on Instagram.
Student review
Big hand to Kalimar Maia and the excellent woodshop facility at NovaLabs for the great weekend kit guitar build class. Kalimar’s skillful expertise and patient guidance made for a most positive experience for me as a woodworking newbie. I’ve had the desire to build guitars for ages but never actually got around to it. The guitar kits Kalimar acquired through Guitar Kit World were excellent. The success of this weekend kit guitar course is just the push I needed to be on my way towards many more builds at the woodshop in NovaLabs. I’m looking forward to more guitar related courses via Kalimar and NovaLabs.
Shared by a student who attended the April 2026 workshop at Nova Labs.
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 Kalimar
- Instagram: @mar_mar_guitars
- Featured on GKW blog: Workshop with Kalimar Maia
- Workshop venue: Nova Labs
Interested?
Comment below with your experience level and what you hope to learn, or reach out to Kalimar directly on Instagram.