Build an Acoustic Guitar

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
  1. Sun, 3/23/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  2. Sun, 3/30/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  3. Sun, 4/6/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  4. Sun, 4/13/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  5. Sun, 4/20/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  6. Sun, 4/27/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  7. Sun, 5/4/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  8. Sun, 5/11/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  9. Sun, 5/18/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  10. Sun, 5/25/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  11. Sun, 6/1/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  12. Sun, 6/8/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  13. Sun, 6/15/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  14. Sun, 6/22/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  15. Sun, 6/29/2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Sun, 3/23/2025 - Sun, 6/29/2025

See additional date options »




Type:
Class, Has Prerequisite

Location:
Woodworking & Small Boat Studio

Interests:
Hand Woodworking

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

A materials fee of $760, included in the class fee, covers all the materials you need. Your class fee also covers shared use of all necessary tools.

Prerequisites

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

Instructors or Guides

Neil Miller

Some 40 years ago, Neil’s fascination was captured by a “taterbug” mandolin hanging on the wall of his college professor. And, as he put it, he was powerless to resist copying it. Soon to follow were several “flatiron” mandolins and other instruments. He was hooked.
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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