Selmer Guitar Building Course

Michael Collins

Just wanted to let people know that we have put together a Selmer style guitar building course which will be given at the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix Arizona. We are planning on doing this twice a year.
The class allows a student to make either a 12 fret d-hole, a 14 fret d-hole, or an oval hole guitar, which has been set up. The finishing is left up to the student to complete at their home. Or they may opt to take an additional French polish course to complete the instrument at the same location.

We did a test run recently, which you may read about here:

http://collinsguitar.com/blog

The instruments made during this class sound and play fabulously. Prices have not been set yet, but they should be reasonable.

For more information you may respond here:

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Thanks for reading.
Michael Collins
www.collinsguitar.com

Craig Bumgarner

Very interesting. Always wanted to see Phoenix. Keep us posted with details and cost.

CB

Michael Collins

We are planning for one intense course just after Christmas, for those of you who would like to escape a colder climate.

The other one will take place in the spring before the heat becomes unbearable.

The classes will be intensive so be prepared for long days. These things will not build themselves.

MC

Bohemian

Which pattern Selmer or Favino or a hybrid?

Michael Collins

So far, the molds we have are the Selmer pattern. However if we have enough interest I will be happy to make a few Favino pattern molds.

MC

Bohemian

Thanks..
And the cost ?

Michael Collins

We are still hammering out the details, but so far it looks like the course will run $3k. It will consist of three six day weeks, approximately 8-12 hours per day. The student will have a set up instrument, which only requires finishing, which will be completed by the student after they have arrived back home. Those who live fairly close by, or who are willing to travel back to Arizona can take an additional French Polishing course to complete the finish on their instrument.

Michael Collins

The instruments will be completely constructed using hide glue. The overall build will be in the traditional manner as they were during Selmer's heyday, one difference which most people will appreciate is that the neck will utilize not only a two-way truss rod, but also a neck and fingerboard which is completely attached using a bolt on system, there is no glue involved.

This makes the entire fingerboard playing surface completely stable, avoids ever introducing a neck hump at the body, and facilitates repairs which are both tricky and expensive when performed on a traditional neck joint. It also makes play-ability a breeze. And they sound awesome.

Here are some pics:

http://michaelcollins.smugmug.com/Woodw ... 5846_FdAfw