About our classes
BGMS offers two class types: guitar building and guitar setup. Read on below for more on guitar building classes.
How do the classes work?
Attend weekly classes, working at your own pace.
Each class has up to five students lead by an instructor.
Morning, afternoon and evening classes available.
There are no fixed start or end dates.
What does it cost?
Your costs will vary depending on what you build, and whether your build is your first - many of our students build more than one guitar and have been building with us for years.
First build
Type of guitar: Either a classical guitar or an OM-sized (medium-bodied) steel string guitar.
Total estimated cost range: $4,000–$4,400, including classes, enrolment, consumable fees, and materials.
Cost breakdown (approx only): 25 classes ($3,100), enrollment ($220), consumables ($130), materials ($600–$1,000)*
Further builds
Type of guitar: It’s up to you! Fully customised acoustic guitar, with unlimited options for customisation.
Total estimated cost range: $5500–$6000, including classes, consumable fees, and materials.
Cost breakdown (approx only): 35 classes ($4,235), consumables ($130), materials ($1,000- $1,500)*
For more information, view our frequently asked questions
*we have a wide range of woods to choose from, so cost will depend on your material selections.
The process of guitar building
These are the general steps for crafting your guitar, from start to finish. Although, as you'll see in the fantastic video below from one of our students, the process is not always linear and will depend on the type of guitar you choose to make.
Making the box
Assembling the box
Making the neck
Fitting and carving
Prepping for finish
Applying finish
Final assembly
“Had a great experience making my bass guitar. Andrew, Trent and Jonno were very helpful and friendly during the whole build and a very well equipped workshop” - Jason Seegel
Timetable
Updated February 2025
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9:30am-1:30pm | 9:30am-1:30pm | 9:30am-1:30pm | 9:30am-1:30pm | 9:30am-1:30pm | 9:00am-1:00pm | |
| Afternoon | 2:00pm-5:00pm* | 2:00pm-5:00pm* | |||||
| Evenings | 6:00pm-10:00pm | 6:00pm-10:00pm | 6:00pm-10:00pm | 6:00pm-10:00pm |
*must be an enrolled student. Casual bookings only.
Setup class: By appointment only
-
![]()
Student stories: Ben Chapman
Ben built two flamenco guitars at the school. In his own words, ”I had absolutely zero woodwork experience. It was something I was always self conscious of, (not being good with my hands) and from that to being able to learn to build these two finely crafted instruments at the school with support, is one of the greatest things I am most proud of. I really enjoyed laying back in bed at night and feeling the satisfaction of the day's class. My mind would drift to all the creative elements of the build and ideas that I could add to it.”
-
![]()
Student stories: Kahni Burrows
“With absolutely no experience in woodworking and with very damaged eyesight, I was afraid of how I would go. I stopped worrying halfway through my first class! Despite my not even being able to saw in a straight line, I was never made to feel as if I did not belong there. Because the classes are so small guidance was always available, and I was particularly appreciative of the extra help I got when my vision made some aspects of the craft difficult. It should be pointed out, though, that guitar making at the BGMS is likely to become an addiction!”
-
![]()
Student stories: Rod Coate
Rod came to the Brisbane Guitar Making School as an accomplished woodworker keen to develop his skills further. Like many students, Rod wouldn’t call himself a guitar player – he is simply enthusiastic about the instrument and enjoys the experience of transforming beautiful wood into an even more beautiful musical instrument. Since joining as one of our first students Rod has now built a range of instruments over his years with the school including a resonator guitar, a gypsy jazz guitar, a tenon ukulele, an archtop guitar, and two classical guitars.
