Luthier hunt

[JoeSchmo]

Ah, the trials and tribulations of living in country Victoria.
After making umpteen graphite flyrods I thought it might be a good idea to try my hand at making a guitar - not out of graphite, of course! - but I have no skills in that department.
Consequently I thought I'd try to track down someone in my part of the world who could teach and guide me.
Man, finding that proverbial needle in the haystack would be easier.
I've tracked down the Thomas Lloyd and Hancock people but they're simply too far away from home and commitments.
Can anybody help me with someone in Western Victoria, preferably around the Geelong, Otways district, who would could provide tuition in guitar-making. I'm not talking about becoming a professional, just fulfilling a long-held dream to make something good.
I've got books, read forums etc. but I still know I need someone to show me how, particularly because I'm far from ace with woodworking tools.
Hope someone out there can help.

[sebastiaan56]

Welcome to the forum Joe,

I sympathise, Im in a very similar boat here in the Blue Mountaisn, Im 1.5 hrs from the nearest teaching luthier, Gerard Gilet.

Coincidentally our generous host Bob of McGuitars is in Geelong. Now I dont know if Bob teaches but Im reliably informed that he drinks fluids from bottles, red wine and Guiness I believe. Overtures with alcohol may open a door for you,

[Paul B]

That's the beauty of dvds!

Our own Robbie O'Brien has dvds available from LMII and has posted a bunch of stuff on youtube as well. Send him a PM and I'm sure he'll be able to help you get some copies of the dvds.

John Mayes also has some great instructional dvds. I've got a couple of these myself.

You don't really need a luthier in your shop to show you all the tricks when there are such great dvds available.

If you need instruction in general woodworking your local TAFE should be able to help out with some night classes.

That's how most of us get by.

[kiwigeo]

Welcome to the forum Joe,

I dont teach and Im a total amateur but if you're ever over Adelaide way then drop in to my workshop and I may be able to share a few tips with you. Im away at work alot of the time so make sure you give me plenty of warning if youre heading over.

Cheers Martin

[Allen]

Welcome to the forum Joe.

It's rare that you'll find anyone around here that had the benefit of hands on instruction. Most of us have learnt by the seat of our pants. Read every book on the subject, lurked on the forums, and asked lots of questions.

Remember there are no dumb questions. Someone will be along to answer and give advice. In fact is usually the dumb questions that give the rest of us an idea about how to improve our own building style.

I'll second Robbie's building DVD's. I have his steel string one, and still refer to it when my brain goes on a holiday.