How does one become a guitar tech?

MetalDog

Well this is an idea or a pipe dream I've had rattling around in the old skull for a while.

So, how do you become a guitar tech? Is there somewhere/someone in Dublin that could teach me the basics, and how much would this cost?

I love guitars/basses and maybe I'd even like to become a luthier in the future, but first things first.


I've been playing since I was 12 and I'm now in my 30's.

I have taught myself basic maintenance,and setting up I've replaced machine heads, gone up string gauges, the usual mickey mouse shit anyone with half a brain can do, etc, but I'd like to be able to replace pickups, electronics, do a proper intonation, swap out a neck on a bolt on, etc, the fun stuff.

Any and all info appreciated, thanks

SamBrugha

This is one of my little dreams aswell, i want to take in guitars and basses and mod the sh*t out of them and do kick @ss paint jobs. im doing little projects by myself for myself to learn and the best thing you can do is learn by doing, if you can solder you can put in pick ups and its very very easy.

Whether you are a musician, builder, gardener or photographer i think youtube will be your friend. Id say buy a piece of crap guitar or diy kit and aim to make it some thing decent and playable. Paint it. wire it. set it up. Buy new parts or try salvage the old.

Squidgy Black

Your best bet is to get a cheap enough guitar, and just do bits and pieces on it, with the help of the interwebz.

I don't think any luthiers or techs would be too keen to teach anybody technique or methods for fear of them taking away customers.

SamBrugha

stetyrrell wrote: »

Your best bet is to get a cheap enough guitar, and just do bits and pieces on it, with the help of the interwebz.

I don't think any luthiers or techs would be too keen to teach anybody technique or methods for fear of them taking away customers.

agreed

martinedwards

the net is full of tutorials on how to do all the fun stuff.

youd be amazed at how many very knowledgeable folk are willing to tell all.

I got a lot of tips from a guy called Rick Turner.

you wont have heard of him, but he was part of the Alembic bass partnership, he still makes all of fleetwood Mac's Lindsay Buckingham's guitars, he designed Seymour Duncan's Dtar acoustic pick ups and y'kow the bass at the start of the Formula 1 theme?

he made it.

it was the worlds first carbon fibre bass......

he KNOWS his stuff, and he's happy to help anyone anywhere in the world if you happen to trip over him on a forum.

I've made 90 guitars, mandolins basses etc.

I've had three students who have come under my wing to make thier own instruments.

so in fine "pay it forward" mode....

here's my blog where I show you how to make a nut and an acoustic saddle.

http://martinedwardsluthier.blogspot.co.uk/

get a squier strat for £20 and strip it to bare wood, refinish and rebuild it into a monster axe.

after that, you'll either be hooked, or you'll never want to see another guitar!!

MetalDog

excellent tips lads, now all I have to do is get up off my arse!

endacl

stetyrrell wrote: »

Your best bet is to get a cheap enough guitar, and just do bits and pieces on it, with the help of the interwebz.

I don't think any luthiers or techs would be too keen to teach anybody technique or methods for fear of them taking away customers.

Or for fear of word leaking out how simple this work is. Bar severe damage or structural alteration, there isn't a single guitar job that can't be done at a kitchen table with the simplest of tools.

Go for it.

Here's a couple of helpful links:

http://www.danerlewine.com/guitar_repair_books.html

http://www.stewmac.com/tsarchive.html

zafo

I think you need to be taught a lot of things in person but the online resources are great as are Dan McErlewine's books. Ideally an apprenticeship but just asking and getting friendly with your local guitar tech will help a lot.

endacl

zafo wrote: »

I think you need to be taught a lot of things in person but the online resources are great as are Dan McErlewine's books. Ideally an apprenticeship but just asking and getting friendly with your local guitar tech will help a lot.

You really don't. What you need are a few projects to work on. Pick up a few old banger instruments and get experimenting. Ask your local guitar tech. He'll tell you the same.

martinedwards

try Craigs or freegle/freecycle or gumtree.

ask for scrappers.

I've been given at least 10 guitars & banjos over the last few years. some were easy fixes some where scrapped for parts.