Lehtela Guitar Craft Expanded Luthiery Program

The LGC Luthiery School Program:
In its 7th year, our Luthiery School is based on the premise of providing detailed instruction in the art of guitar building with a unique hands-on approach. With the exception of the first class, instruction is provided in a one-on-one study with luthier Ari Lehtela. Unlike some schools, our program covers the whole guitar building experience starting with basic guitar mechanics and ending with a Guitar Building Master Class.
First Year: Total of 3 classes in a trimester format.
Second Year: Guitar Building Master Class
With the completion of the program, the student will have a good understanding of the intricate relationship of wood and other components as well the importance of the relationship of the three important qualities of a good luthier—craft, design and creativity.

Our luthiery school, is pleased to introduce a trimester program with a mission of providing comprehensive education to individuals interested in the study of luthiery. The program is comprised of three progressive classes covering the basics of guitar design and maintenace as well as familiarity with woodworking relating to the craft of guitar building.


Class 1: Guitar Set Up and Maintenance
This class introduces the student to the art of setting up a guitar to play at its highest potential. Topics will include:

• truss rod adjustment
• action adjustment
• nut adjustment
• minor fret levelling
• cleaning and polishing
• intonation

Each student is encouraged to bring one of their own instruments for an actual set up procedure. A set of strings of student's choice will be included in the class fee. Class size: 2-7


Class 2: Fret work and Neck related adjustments
This class will take the student through all aspects of fretwork and neck adjustment. The student will gain hands on experience in a topic often shrouded with mystery. Upon completion the participant will have a much more thorough understanding of the relationship that exists between the neck and the body of the guitar. Topics covered will include:

• fret leveling, crowning and polishing
• re-fretting
• adjustment/ making a nut
• other neck adjustments not covered in Class 1

Requirements: Completion of Class 1. Also, the student should bring an instrument in their possession in need of the above mentioned work. If no such instrument is available that student will be provided with one. In addition, students will be required to bring their own fretting tools and nut slotting tools. A tools list can be obtained by contacting Ari Lehtela.


Class 3: Woodworking : Guitar Building
This is the final class offered prior to actual one-on-one guitar building. In this class the student will become familiar with the usage of the tools used in guitar building. They will also prepare for actual guitar building by constructing certain templates, fixtures and jigs necessary for high quality work. Topics covered will include:

• basic woodworking know how
• guitar design
• building templates, jigs and fixtures
• preparing a list of materials for actual building

Requirements: Completion of Classes 1& 2. Upon completion of Classes 1, 2 &3 the student may continue their pursuit of the art of luthiery by scheduling a one-on-one guitar building study with Ari Lehtela.


Master Class : Guitar Building
One-on-one guitar building with Mr. Lehtela. Learn the fine art of luthiery while building your dream guitar. Contact Ari directly for details and scheduling.


Sitari Prototype

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