Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 10:00:00 AM The NEW HammerSpace Community Workshop 5200 E. 45th St., Kansas City, MO

**NOTE: THIS IS A TWO PART, TWO DAY CLASS. FIRST SESSION ON SATURDAY, DEC. 2ND, 10AM-2PM. SECOND SESSION ON SATURDAY, DEC 9TH, 10AM-2PM.**

Learn how to build a custom guitar, using a convenient kit. Join local guitar builder and Hammerspace alum Curt Johnson as we explore topics such as the various components of a guitar, sanding, finishing, wiring, guitar assembly, proper guitar setup, and more. All experience levels are welcome, whether you're an experienced maker or just starting on your journey, this is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in several different disciplines. Plus you'll walk away with your very own custom-built guitar! Suggested age range for this class is 16 or older.

IMPORTANT: Students need to purchase their preferred guitar kit online before this class. They will  not be provided by the instructor. Places to buy guitar kits: 

http://www.bargainmusician.com/diy_guitar_kits

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Guitar-And-Bass-Kits_c_74.html

I have built guitars from both websites, and I find that Bargain Musician's kits are higher quality, but also higher priced. I recommend choosing a Telecaster for a first build, particularly if you are an inexperienced woodworker. The Telecaster is a classic, uncomplicated design, and is very easy to put together and take apart.
If you're looking for more of a challenge, the Stratocaster is a step up in terms of sanding, finishing, and the technical aspects of a proper guitar setup. 

Finishes: I am a big proponent of finishes that do not require specialized ventilation systems or respirators to apply. Everything that I use on my guitars these days is as non-toxic as possible. I use milk paint for solid colors, which is harmless as long as you don't actually drink it, and shellac for wood finishes, which is safe enough to be used in food preparation.
I will provide white milk paint as well as a set of dyes to make custom paint colors, and each student will receive a set of sand paper, as well as a quantity of shellac.