Luthier training?

JulySunshine29

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Hey guys! Hope all is well with everyone.

I'm considering going into the lutherie business. After building the 1975 M80 that I've posted about before and doing some other minor repairs and adjustments on my instruments through the years, I feel like it might be the thing for me.

I'm wondering what kind of qualifications I might need. There are several luthier schools in my area, but they're all different. Some offer certificates, and some don't. However, all the ones I'm considering get great feedback, regardless. I'm not sure what kind would be better. As musicians, would y'all be more likely to take an instrument to a luthier with a certificate, or is that something that doesn't matter as much if the luthier does good work?

I've researched other luthiers to see what kind of qualifications they have, and very few publically advertise any formal training; it seems like they let their work speak for itself. However, others I've seen have apprenticed under someone... I tried to apply for an internship under a local luthier, but there wasn't a position open anymore and there is no one else in my area that offers apprenticeships/internships, only a few places that offer luthier classes.

I know this is an odd thing to be asking around about, but since y'all have been so helpful and kind in the past, I know I could get some good advice! :)
 

richardp69

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Personally, I just find the folks that do the best work and they get my business. I don't pay too much attention to certificates and such, it just isn't that important to me personally.
 

Guildedagain

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Fixing guitars is endless business. A local shop that sells vintage told me years ago the retail side sucks, it's the repairs where the money's at. Then he started building Teles, amps, and pedals. He learned his craft working at the Gibson/Fender dealer back in the day.
 

dreadnut

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Where are you located?

 
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JulySunshine29

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Where are you located?

I live in Georgia!
 

dreadnut

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I live in Georgia!

Well you could live up here in Northern Michigan for six months while you attend the Galloup Guitar School, live on site. in a cabin It is actually just South of a college town; Ferris State Unversity in BIg Rapids, so it's not like you're really out in the boonies for six months. Early on, this was the home of Dan Earlywine.
 
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