Woodworking
Build an Acoustic Guitar
BARN members can build a dreadnought guitar under the guidance of an experienced luthier (maker of stringed instruments).
Member$2,105.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Sun, 3/23/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 3/30/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 4/6/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 4/13/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 4/20/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 4/27/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 5/4/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 5/11/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 5/18/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 5/25/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 6/1/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 6/8/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 6/15/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 6/22/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sun, 6/29/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sun, 3/23/2025 - Sun, 6/29/2025
About
Build a dreadnought guitar patterned after the iconic Martin D-28. Named for the battleship HMS Dreadnought when the design was first made in 1916, the guitar had a bigger body and loud bass voice that set the standard for steel-string acoustic guitars throughout the 20th century.
Details
- Open to woodworkers of any skill level, although some experience with hand tools is helpful. Students with a higher skill level will be able to customize their instrument with unique binding or inlay.
- Before the first session, please view this video to get an overview of the process.
- To allow a schedule that works for most people, this class overlaps with Open Studio, so we'll be sharing the shop with other woodworkers. This is a 14-session class but the dates listed include one extra day so the class can decide at the first session whether to skip a day such as Easter, Mother's Day, or Father's Day.
- To complete a guitar by the end of this class, you'll need to devote additional time on your instrument during Open Studios between class sessions. The instructor will provide a schedule so students know what work needs to be completed before each session.
- The class is open only to BARN members because the guest fees for Open Studio use would exceed the membership cost.
Materials
Prerequisites
- Current BARN membership
- Orientation to the Woodshop
- Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 1
- Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 2
Class Policies
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
- Wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid dangling clothing or jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Please email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org to find out more or request an accommodation.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Neil Miller
In 2001, he built his first carved instrument and became possessed. After studying and playing mandolins, from the classic Gibson oval holes and Loars to their modern copies, he fell in awe of the beauty and complexity of the art form begun by Orville Gibson in the late 1800s — the arch-top A and F-style mandolin.
Over the years, Neil has built many other instruments on request, including acoustic steel-string guitars, electric guitars, resophonic guitars and ukuleles. He has used local woods and collaborated with local luthiers wherever he has lived — Indiana, Uganda, Michigan, Texas, and Tanzania.
He and his wife, Christy, moved to Tacoma in 2024 to be near their two children and two granddaughters. Neil was introduced to BARN by a customer, and it has led to a number of great collaborations!
Check out his website: MillerAcoustics.com
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