Speaker 1 (00:00):

This is the workbook for the Roberto Venn School of Luthiery, along with classroom lectures, demonstrations,
and actual building of guitars by the students. It provides detailed instructions in the construction techniques
and fundamental guitar building skills taught at the school. The course is intended for the novice instrument
builder. The course incorporates the construction techniques and building experience of the school's founders,
John Roberts and Bob Venn. Bob and John provide much of the classroom instruction with assistant instructors
and recent graduates helping with various phases of construction and the proper use of tools.

Speaker 1 (00:40):
This workbook will be used as a guideline and for future reference after the student graduates. It contains a
descriptive narration of each phase of construction in order of the building sequence used at the school. Many
pictures and diagrams are provided as well, showing important measurements, instrument patterns, etc.

Speaker 1 (01:01):
The main emphasis is on learning by doing, with the student encouraged to do as much of the actual
construction as possible. At least one acoustic and one electric instrument must be completed in the term. After
several days of shop orientation, including training and safe tool use, maintenance procedures, mold design,
and construction, the student begins instrument construction. While most students choose to build electric or
acoustic steel string guitars, other instrument choices include the electric bass,

Speaker 1 (01:33):
dobro-style guitar, classical guitar, mandolin, sitar, and dulcimer. At the end of the three-and-a-half-month
term, students will have one electric and one acoustic instrument, theirs to do with as they please, keep, sell,
or trade into the school for more instrument building supplies. If you choose to keep your instruments, you'll
find them to be useful showcase pieces in securing employment in the custom woodworking industry or in the
string instrument construction and repair fields.

Speaker 1 (02:04):
We look forward to teaching these skills to you over the next three-and-a-half months, and especially seeing
the smiles on your faces as you display your completed instruments.