Summer Youth: Create an Electric Guitar (Ages 12-18)

Assemble a classic Fender-style electric guitar, give it your own custom finish, and string it up so it's ready to play.

About this Class

You will begin by learning about the components of an electric guitar and how modern electric guitars are made using computer-aided design and manufacturing tools. A finishing expert will explain various approaches that you can use on your guitar, and a woodworking instructor will help you design and build the stand. To ensure you go home with a working guitar, you will start with a precision-cut body, pre-cut neck and headstock, and solderless electronics. You will need to do final sanding on the parts, decide what finish you want, and create any special effects, such as a decal if you want to add a custom logo to the headstock. You will have a variety of paints and stains from which to choose. The final finish will be a clear, glossy, oil-based coating that you can rub to get a satin finish if you wish.

Details

• For students ages 12-18.
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Registration closes on Monday, July 3.
• A$137 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers a kit with all components needed for your guitar, including tuners, pickups, bridge, strings, and other hardware, as well as an array of finishing materials and shop supplies.
• When you register your youth, enter their name in the Youth's Name field and enter the parent/guardian email address for "registrants email." All reminders and important information will go to that email address.
• Complete and return this minor permission form.
• You may register your youth for an optional supervised lunch hour from 12-1 pm for the duration of this class.
• You must wear closed-toe shoes.

Class Policies

• View BARN’s current COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.

• For those who might need physical assistance, learn more about our Companion Program.

• If you have any questions, please email BARN Youth Program Coordinator Sarah Jones at SarahJ@BainbridgeBARN.org.

Instructor

Doug Salot and Carol Fiedler Kawaguchi - Doug, who heads BARN's Electronic & Technical Arts Studio, started playing the guitar more than a decade ago and occasionally tries to distract himself by building guitars and ukuleles. He studied instrument building with local luthier Alan Simcoe. Carol is a professional woodworker who specializes in furniture restoration and refinishing. She is on the Woodworking Studio's steering committee and teaches finishing classes, and others, at BARN.