WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN THE TRADITIONAL ART OF LUTHIERY?
LEARN HOW TO BUILD A SPANISH OR STEEL STRING GUITAR USING TRADITIONAL METHODS AND HAND TOOLS.
Whether you are interested in learning the art of luthiery or simply want to build your own guitar I offer luthiery courses tailored to each individual. During the course you will learn traditional luthiery hand-working methods, tone-wood selection and seasoning, instrument design, set-ups, plus you will leave with your very own handcrafted classical or steel-string guitar built to professional standards.
I tailor the course to suit each individual. There are a selection of native woods to choose from in the workshop, or I can help you buy the wood of your choice. I encourage each student to develop their own creativity in their work. Everyone is different: some students come to learn with me simply to experience making their own guitar, others want to learn luthiery to continue building instruments afterwards. During the course you will build your own guitar as well as learn about many aspects of the instrument’s history, design and technology.
Courses run throughout the year in Totnes, UK and Andalucía, Spain. Visit http://www.andalucia-guitar-experience.com for more details of the courses in Spain
Full-time courses range from 1 to 3 months duration.
UK Course price: £1600, 4 week intensive
Spain course price: £2600, 4 week intensive
Please contact me for more details and to arrange a visit.
E mail: andrewdavidsonguitars@hotmail.com tel. +44 7914 805 970
“I am in the process of constructing my first guitar, a steel string. Making a guitar is a long journey and Andy has been both guide and travelling companion in equal measure. As a guide he sets me on course for the various and many stages of making and encourages me to get on with it and find my own way – stepping in if I stray too far or ask for help. As a companion we share good conversation and reflection as we work or pause from our activity. I have a background in woodworking and can say that although this has been useful I have found the technical intricacies and esoterics of instrument making to be a world unto itself. Andy is, I feel, a gentle master in that world.”
Rory Valentine
Stirling completed his concert classical Torres guitar in four weeks :
Sterling from Colorado, U.S.A. has recently completed a Concert Torres Guitar on a one month intensive course with me. During this time we worked together on his instrument. I like to encourage my student’s creativity so he was able to make his own rosette. decoration and headstock to his own chosen design. To keep us to our deadline of one month we used some components I had already made such as the back, sides and neck. The project had a very organic feel as we worked together for most of it, using the materials which happened to be in the workshop at the time (back and sides are Mexican Cypress I’ve had since my time there 10 years ago.) By the end Stirling had made a very fine sounding Concert Classical Guitar to the design of the master Antonio Torres. The sound is astonishing…clear,powerful, sweet trebles, very responsive and able to be played loud aswell as softly. Well done Sterling!
“For years it had been my dream to build my own guitar. There was something very special about the relationship between the luthier and the finished product. Thanks to Andy Davidson I was able to experience the process firsthand. Now I have a concert quality guitar to call my own -my own Sterling guitar. Sterling Parks, October 2013
Will has just completed his flamenco guitar :
- Luthiery training course in Andalucia, southern Spain.
http://www.andalucia-guitar-experience.com
Brad from Queensland, Australia completes his rosewood Torres classical in 6 weeks:
“I signed up to Andy’s guitar making course on the very strong recommendation of some trusted friends. To say I wasn’t disappointed is an understatement. Although I’d worked with wood before I’d never made anything as fine as a guitar. Andy took the time up front to talk me through the process to gauge the level of support required and a reasonable schedule.The process that unfolded was truly remarkable. Andy’s knowledge and experience were constantly on hand. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at any time during the build, and hit our target of 6 weeks a day early. The final product exceeded my expectations in every way. I now own a hand-built classical guitar that is equally the match of many very expensive instruments in terms of tone and playability. Anyone even considering building their own guitar should talk to Andy. Under his laid back, casual front lies a passionate and generous luthier and teacher. It will be a life-changing experience.” Brad Cronk, December 2013
Will Pennell made his yew-bodied classical in 6 months :
“This guitar course is the best thing I have ever done. I would not have had the time or money to complete a full time luthier course so this method of working has suited me down to the ground. I’ve really appreciated the relaxed atmosphere of the workshop – Andy has always been patient and encouraging. He shares his extensive knowledge of the techniques used around the world and shows that there is always more than one way to do things. Making my guitar has given me a great sense of achievement and the confidence to explore my creative ability. Thanks Andy.”
Simon Hampshire completed his small Torres guitar part-time :
Andy’s evening classes meant that after a long day at the office, I could migrate into a completely different world of creativity and craft. I’d learn amazing carpentry skills using traditional methods and tools and we’d listen to music and talk about life. I enjoyed it so much, that I was extremely happy to take my time and prolong this therapeutic activity for as long as possible.
I chose to make a Torres parlor-sized classical guitar. It was definitely a good choice to follow an existing design for my first attempt (as advised by Andy) by one of the great guitar makers of all time. It’s an amazing little instrument, with an enormous sound and presence. I decided to customise a few things on the guitar, such as the headstock, rosette and bindings to add a personal take on the classical design, but the fundamental elements, which give the guitar its incredible sound remain true to the original design.
Andy is a great teacher and extremely open minded to exploring different ways in doing things. He offers guidance, but lets you be in control and gets you on the tools straight away – which is the best way to learn. He is patient and philosophical and extremely practical, adapting his teaching style to the needs of different students and offering a range of flexible courses, ranging from super intense to ‘go with the flow’.
I’d recommend this course to anyone who would enjoy an informal and relaxed approach to building what are extremely complex instruments. If you work hard and listen to Andy, you’ll end up with something very special indeed.” Simon Hampshire, December 2012
“I had always wanted to make a guitar and making it with Andy offered me the flexibility of doing so outside of my unpredictable working hours. It was a great experience, I was offered patient guidance and at the same time was encouraged to put in my own creative ideas. Andy gave me so much positive encouragement through the whole process especially when I was doubting myself. Also, I ended up with a beautiful guitar WHICH I MADE, I can still hardly believe it. I thoroughly recommend this course.”
Nick Kitto, May 2012
ANDREW DAVIDSON GUITARS 
