Members Alexilaiho Posted June 2, 2013 Members Share Posted June 2, 2013 It turns out my parents said after I finish drivers ed I can try and get an apprenticeship at BILT guitars in my home town Des Moines, Iowa. I'm super stoked, and I already know one of they're endorsees brandon darner of the envy corps.I love guitar building, anyways, I was wondering what can I expect working with a pro luthier? I'm only going to try and become a luthier because I love guitar building. Also, my uncle is the guy that built the bigfoot guitar, George marlin.His website is Georgemarlinguitars.com(not an advertisement, just personal info) and he inspired me to become a luthier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Grant Harding Posted June 2, 2013 Members Share Posted June 2, 2013 It's good to follow your passion, but it's also tough to make a living by making guitars. If you're just out of high school I'd really recommend doing a formal trade qualification first. That will give you more options AND make you a better luthier in ways that might not be obvious right now. No matter what you do, good luck and give it 100% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jpnyc Posted June 2, 2013 Members Share Posted June 2, 2013 Go for it. But when you gradute high school go to a community college and get at least an associates degree in business with a minor in marketing. There Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bucksstudent Posted June 2, 2013 Members Share Posted June 2, 2013 Cool man. I wish I knew anything about electrical and wiring, because I'd totally be working on guitar electronics all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stormin1155 Posted June 2, 2013 Members Share Posted June 2, 2013 Hi Alex! Looks like you're quite new here, so welcome! Also, it's nice to see another Iowan on the forum. I share your passion with guitars and lutherie, and have built several guitars from scratch, and worked on a bunch, mostly as a hobby, but occasionally I even get paid for it. I also live in Des Moines, actually not very far from Bilt/Lutherie Shop.Have you talked to the guys over at Bilt/Lutherie Shop? They are a very small shop, and I'm a bit surprised that they take on apprentices. That would be a great experience for you. They are good guys, and have a great reputation. As I understand it, the Bilt part of the business is sort of a sideline, with the repair part (Lutherie Shop) their bread and butter. But it's been awhile since I've been over there, and the building part may have grown since then.As others have noted, the guitar building and repair business is a hard one to get into, and even harder to make a living. It's all about word of mouth and reputation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kayd_mon Posted June 2, 2013 Members Share Posted June 2, 2013 Sounds cool, if that's what your goals are. I would recommend getting a college degree during your apprenticeship, since you might need something to fall back on in the future. You're young, so it's important that you don't miss opportunities like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Elias Graves Posted June 2, 2013 Members Share Posted June 2, 2013 Do eet!(But also figure out a way to pay the bills. Even if you become Paul Reed Smith or Bob Benedetto, that takes years of struggle to get there.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members AshboneWish Posted June 2, 2013 Members Share Posted June 2, 2013 Do you actually have the apprenticeship, or you are going to ask? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.