COURSES

Whether it’s setting up your guitar, re-fretting or even building a guitar from scratch, we have the perfect courses for you. Join Josh in his beautiful workshop in the Somerset countryside for some intimate, face to face tuition and enjoy some pure guitar indulgence.

ENQUIRE

“Josh is a fabulous teacher and super generous when sharing his knowledge. Having only carpentry experience before me, I cannot recommend strongly enough booking some time with Josh to level up your skills. 10/10 from a satisfied customer.”

Stuart Glassbury, ex-student, UK

“Josh immediately stood out to me as a benevolent, knowledgeable, and determined instructor. He was able to dissect seemingly complex concepts in the art of guitar building and make them easy to conceptualise. He ensures that students have the right information, including clever tips and tricks to make tasks feel more controlled. I highly recommend him both as a teacher and as a guitar builder.”

Sven Sandstrom, ex-student, USA

“I’m still in shock that under Josh’s expert (and oh so patient) guidance I built my first ever guitar. From wood choice through to finishing, the skills and knowledge gained from time in his company will stay with me forever. A truly beautiful setting, so great in fact that I’m booking in for a set up course. The only thing you will regret is not doing it.”

Ian Gregory, ex-student, UK

SETUP COURSE

£350

1 DAY

ENQUIRE
  • Adjust your truss rod
  • Cut nut slots and shape the nut
  • Adjust your action
  • Set your intonation
  • Configure pickup heights
  • Cut a nut from scratch

REWIRING COURSE

£350 + materials

1 DAY

ENQUIRE
  • Swap out pickups
  • Rewire your instrument
  • Mod your electronics

REFRET COURSE

£700 + materials

2 DAY

ENQUIRE
  • Remove your old frets
  • Re-level your fretboard
  • Clean and restore your fretboard
  • Level/bevel/fret-end file/crown/polish your frets

NECK BUILD COURSE

£1050 + materials

3 DAY

ENQUIRE
  • Build a neck from scratch
  • Install frets
  • Level/bevel/fret-end file/crown/polish your frets
  • Complete a full setup

FULL BUILD COURSE

£2100 + materials

This 6-Day Electric Guitar Building Course is a relaxed, hands-on experience designed to guide you through building your own professional-quality instrument from start to finish. Based in Josh Stopford's Somerset workshop, the course is suitable for complete beginners as well as players, makers and repairers looking to deepen their understanding of guitar construction.Working with just one other student and with all specialist tools provided, you'll be guided through every stage of the process. From body routing and neck carving to fretwork, electronics and final setup, every guitar is built entirely by hand with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and explore the finer details along the way.Over the years, Josh has built guitars for artists including IDLES, The Vaccines and Alberta Cross, and has worked on instruments for The Stranglers, Massive Attack and many others. Having taught more than 100 students, including professional guitar technicians, he brings a wealth of experience and a relaxed, encouraging approach to every course.By the end of the six days you'll head home with a beautiful, fully custom-built guitar and, more importantly, the confidence and knowledge to maintain and understand it for years to come.

ENQUIRE
  • Carve a neck
  • Craft a body
  • Install frets
  • Master inlays
  • Learn finishing techniques
  • Master wiring
  • Complete a full setup
  • Own a pro-standard custom guitar