Intensive OM-Style Acoustic Guitar Build Course — 2 Weeks (12 Days)

March 16th–28th (Monday to Saturday)
9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Limited to 8 Places 

This Intensive 2-Week Acoustic Build Course gives any student the opportunity to build a traditional OM-style acoustic guitar, closely modelled on a classic Martin. This course is led by guest luthier Jake from JKM Guitars, assisted by the Crimson Guitars team, and offers a rare deep-dive into the craft of acoustic instrument construction.

Unlike our electric courses, this programme follows a fixed OM design due to the complexity and pace of the build. Some timber options may be available, though we recommend Mahogany and Sitka Spruce.
Materials are not included and may be purchased through us, or you may bring your own approved timbers. Material costs vary and a good budget would be between £300-£600 depending on final specification. 

This course is designed for students who want to take their first major step into lutherie, learn traditional acoustic building methods, and experience every stage of construction from raw wood to fully playable instrument.

What You Will Learn

Across the two weeks, you will be guided through traditional acoustic building techniques including:
plate joining and thicknessing, bracing, bending sides, body assembly, binding and purfling, neck construction and carving, dovetail fitting, bridge making, fretwork, finishing, and final setup.
By the end of the course you will leave not only with a complete instrument, but with the foundational skills needed to continue your journey in acoustic guitar building.

A Typical Fortnight on the OM Acoustic Course

Day 1 – Joint top & back, thickness sides
Day 2 – Thickness top & back, rosette installation, brace back
Day 3 – Brace top, prepare internal blocks
Day 4 – Bend sides, block sides
Day 5 – Line sides, carve top and back
Day 6 – Box the body, scarf-joint neck, fit heel block
Day 7 – Route bindings and bind body, make fingerboard
Day 8 – Cut truss-rod slot, carve neck, add head veneer
Day 9 – Dovetail neck fitting, make bridge
Day 10 – Fretwork, sanding, and apply finish
Day 11 – Fit bridge, prepare nut and saddle
Day 12 – Final setup

Course Hours

This course runs 9 am to 6 pm with breaks throughout the day.
You are welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes early, but due to health and safety we cannot allow students into the workshop before 8:45 am.

Materials & Specification

Timbers and hardware can be purchased through Crimson Guitars at an additional cost.
If you choose to bring your own materials, you will receive a Specification Sheet after booking so we can ensure all timbers and parts are suitable for the build.

About Jake

Jake Menear has been building instruments since 2018, having completed a Degree and Master Degree in Musical Instrument Making. He then moved to Northern Ireland to work at Lowden Guitars for 7 years before going self employed and setting up JKM Guitars in 2020. He now makes around ten instruments a year of his own designs, as well as repairs, Youtube tutorials and private lutherie classes

Tool Discounts for Students

All students on this course receive an on-course tool discount, redeemable against Crimson Guitars Tools.
If you wish to use this discount before your course begins, please let us know and we will ensure your tools are ready at your bench when you arrive.

During Your Visit

While local shops and pubs are within a 10-minute drive, most students choose to bring a packed lunch and we recommend this.
Our workshop is based in the picturesque Dorset countryside, near Dorchester, making this not only a unique learning experience but also an inspiring escape.

Accommodation

If you require accommodation, we have a dedicated booking agent who can assist you for a small fee.

Get in Touch

Please contact us for more information, to discuss material options, or to reserve your place.
Only 8 spaces are available for this exclusive acoustic course—first come, first served.

You can also browse our YouTube channel for tutorials, tool demos, and in-depth videos to help you get the most out of your Crimson Guitars experience.