Course Descriptions

Weekly Course

Four hours each Thursday evening in Groton MA, where 4-6 students handcraft guitars from basic materials or from prepared materials. The cost is $30 per session for about one year, or $1500 plus tools($200), and wood and materials ($200-$400), for a total of approximately $2100.

Weekend Intensive Course

The shop will be open from Sat. through Sun. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on selected weekends. Students work at their own pace, and should expect to finish an instrument from basic materials in 20 weekends, or from a kit in 15 weekends, without finish. Local students may also attend the evening program. Tuition for the 2 days is $90. Anyone may attend a four hour, one-half day for $30. Guitar repair will be included.

Apprenticeships

I occasionally take on apprentices who already have demonstrable woodworking skills and are attentive to details. I also have taught violin and guitar plate tuning methods to interested luthiers. Please contact me about these opportunities.

Correspondence Course

Currently in development. Please indicate if this is attractive to you and how you might like it to work. Tom anticipates providing a text plus access via email and telephone to help you complete your instrument.

Acoustics

I teach acoustical principles of instrument making to a select group of students. Guitar and violin acoustics can confound even the most knowledgeable observers. Years of study with Carleen Hutchins have trained me in scientific plate evaluation methods which I share with my students. I am always open to discussing these topics.

Classes for luthiers in Violin Octet construction are also offered. Please visit the Violin Octet website: www.nvfa.org for further information on these instruments as designed by Carleen Hutchins.

Summer Workshop in Groton MA

A three week summer workshop is offered in guitarmaking from prepared materials with Thomas Knatt as instructor. The dates are August 4-22, 2008. The tuition is $1000 per person, with a minimum of 3 persons. Tools, materials, food, lodging, and transportation are not included. Please call for details.

Southern France Classes

Classes in lutherie are offered--both guitars and violins--in the south of France. The minimum class period is two weeks. The class is in a small village about one-half hour north of Beziers, near the town of Bedarieux. Lodging is provided. Materials, transportation, and food are extra. Hand tools may be provided as needed. Cost is $900 per week during July & August, and $700 per week at other times. Contact Thomas Knatt at: tknatt@ziplink.net if you are interested.

Contact Tom Knatt