Build a Guitar with Tom Knatt

 

The Luthier's Workshop explores the possibilities of new woods and designs for guitars, violins, and other string instruments. Thomas Knatt makes unique instruments, repairs difficult breaks, and teaches these skills to others.

Weekly Course

Section A-Repairs and Special Topics, This section meets on selected Saturdays, about once per month, consists of 3 to 6 students allowing me to give personal attention to each one. Topics are arranged in advance with the instructor.

Section B-Guitarmaking: 16 days of hands-on work with demonstrations.   See enclosed list of topics. Occasionally, one day of two separate weekends may be done. Students will begin work in the LW shop and finish in their home shop at their own pace. While at the LW, students have the use of all the power tools, clamps, etc., in the shop. Students receive instruction in the selection and care of tools, shop safety, measuring, the choices and characteristics of musical instrument woods, musical acoustics, and finishing, as well as the usual woodworking. Students may also attend section A, as necessary. Students may select which of the 16 days that they wish to attend.
The charge per session for either section is $35 for 4 hours, $50 for six hours, or $65 for eight hours. Missed sessions may be made up by arrangement with the instructor. Phone/email instruction is available. THE STUDENT MUST DO HOMEWORK. Materials vary between $200 and $400 including a case, and tools are about $200. Therefore, the cost is $1500 minimum. Instruments can also be built from kits, which costs more up front, but saves some time. Those interested in building from prepared materials must choose standard available guitar or violin kits. Building from boxed materials offers a wider choice of styles. Materials ($200 up) may be supplied at our cost+10%. Other materials, cases, etc. will be available from me, or may be provided by the student.Â

Summer Course

Summer 3 week intensive: The shop in Groton MA will be open from Monday thru Friday from 9AM-6PM, and one instructor will be present at all times.  Students will work from prepared materials on acoustic or electric guitars, and should be able to string their instruments within the allotted time without finish. Local students may finish their instruments in the weekend program. Tuition for the 3 weeks will be $1300. Materials and tools are about $600. A non-refundable downpayment is required to secure a place, with the balance due at the beginning of the course. A minimum of three students is required.

Introductory Course

Two day Introductory course: This introductory course will meet on two weekend days. Students wishing to continue building an acoustic guitar or learn repair techniques may continue with the weekend course.

Apprneticeships

Apprenticeships/individual instruction:Instruments are completed in 20 to 30 days Instruction is 8 hours per day for 1-5 days per week on an individual and class basis. Full time apprentices will have the use of the shop at other hours. Tuition is $600 per week. One on one instruction is available for $175 per day or $100 per ½ day. Wood, tools, materials, meals, lodging, and transportation are the responsibility of the student.                                                  Â

 

Instructor	Tom Knatt
Locations	Groton, MA Bedarieux, France Boston, MA
Class size	Small group
Style of Instrument	Acoustic nylon or steel string guitar, violin
Duration	various
Contact	website

Southern France Classes

Classes in lutherie are offered--both guitars and violins--in the south of France. The minimum class period is two weeks. The class is in a small village about one-half hour north of Beziers, near the town of Bedarieux. Lodging is provided. Materials, transportation, and food are extra. Hand tools may be provided as needed

 

 

Instructors and class information

Thomas Knatt, the primary instructor, graduated from M.I.T. in 1961 with a dual major in Science (Chemistry) and the Humanities (Languages and Linguistics), and began making guitars in 1964. He studied instrument making and acoustics with David Rubio, Karl Roy of the Mittenwald Violinmaking School, and Dr. Carleen Hutchins, founder of the Catgut Acoustical Society. He has built more than 100 instruments, primarily classical and flamenco guitars, and violins. He also built a viola played by Yo Yo Ma in concert. Mr. Knatt has published papers in the Catgut Acoustical Society Journal, Guitar and Lute magazine, and Guitarmaker, the journal of the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans. Mr. Knatt has taught instrument making classes since 1970 and has had several apprentices. About 70 people have completed guitars in his courses, and some have played them professionally. Currently, 8 students from the area attend classes, building classical, flamenco, and steelstring guitars, and violins, as well as learning repair techniques.

Adam Zois graduated from The Rhode Island School of Design with an MFA in 2006. He studied with Thomas Knatt starting in 1995, building several guitars. From 2001 to 2004, he was the assistant teacher at the Luthier’s Workshop specializing in electric guitars.

A tool list will be sent to all attendees before the start of the course. The Luthier’s Workshop is located in Groton, Massachusetts, 7 miles from the commuter rail line from Boston. There is free parking and there are some stores and restaurants nearby. Out of town students will be responsible for their own room and board. Rooms may be available for the summer course in a nearby house for about $200 and local motels charge $240 for a seven day week. More information will be sent on request. Please return the questionnaire or send email to the address below, indicating which course that you wish to attend, along with a $50 deposit. Also indicate if you want to build from basic materials or from prepared materials, and which materials you would prefer. Visa and Mastercard accepted.

Learn to build and repair an instrument with a master