Avalon Acoustic Guitars

[pinky]

Hello,

I was just wanting to know how you would go about becoming a Guitar maker.


pinky

[JB]

hi pinky

The most logical step would probably be to seek out a local technical college that runs a guitar building course, evening class or similar.
This is a great way to see if you've really got the taste for this type of work.

Some people have done very well by buying kits books, plans from the likes of Stewmac.com

hope you find a good avenue to explore your interest.
JB

[shane]

Hi Jb

I have recently started building my first guitar using a number of books as reference. I was interested to hear that in your last post some local colleges offer courses. When I looked into this I found some old material from North Down institute that Avalon had helped run a part time luthier course. Do you know if this is still running or if there are plans for the future? By the way I live in Belfast

thanks in advance

Shane

[JB]

Hi Shane

There was a connection there with one or more of the colleges and it was Sam Irwin running it, one of Ireland / UK's top luthiers, he's been building guitars for ... well .... forever guitars, lyres, full Irish harps, he makes them all.
I will ask him if the couses are still running and where, I'll see him some time next week.

Cheers
Jim

[shane]

Thanks JB


I know this is a bit late in the day but I have just noticed there are factory tours organised through the festival. Are there any places left??

cheers

Shane

[JB]

there are tours on Sat if I remember correctly, I think you can just turn up at the factory at the time on the leaflet.

I got talking to Sam Irwin today and he says he still runs the course in Belfast Independent College on Carr St .... hope i've remembered that right

[shane]

Hi JB

Could you ask for an address or at least the area as I cann't find the college.

By the way I joined the factory tour on saturday past. It was very impressive, well run and really interesting. I particularly liked the use of bicycle tubes during the soundbox assembly, very clever!!

Thanks

Shane

[JB]

Hey Shane, no wonder you couldn't find it ... i got the details wrong .... st00pid me !

You need to contact
Belfast Institute of Higher and Further Education at Tower Street.

Be aware that the evening classes are already over-suscribed but Thurs and Fri afternoons are less full.

hope this makes a lot more sense
Jim

[shane]

cheers JB

found it

[martinedwards]

Next courses start thursday 2nd Feb (afternoon & evening sessions) and Friday 3rd (afternoon only)

17 weeks for £95 plus parts to learn at the feet of a true master.

I'm THRILLED to say I'm booked in for the thursday nights!!

[john82]

building your own guitar sounds fascinating - i guess it takes some time until you can build something of good quality...
i'm not sure about courses at colleges but there was a discussion about this on Jemsite.
Johnny