how to become a guitar repair tech

1. Learn to play the guitar. Since most guitar technicians are also skilled musicians, a good first step may be to learn to play the guitar.
2. Develop skill in guitar repair. Next, explore options for learning how to repair stringed instruments, specifically guitars. Explore different options for attaining this knowledge such as independent study.
3. Consider formal education. You may also wish to study guitar repair formally as part of your career path. ...
4. Explore employment opportunities. Next, explore employment opportunities as a guitar technician. Try reviewing electronic job boards and professional social media for open positions.
5. Consider freelance or contract work. You might also consider working on a freelance or contract basis. ...
6. Develop your network. Whether employed externally or for yourself, it is important to continue developing your professional network throughout your career as a guitar technician.

Full Answer

How long does it take to become a guitar repair technician?

There are a variety of vocational training programs that teach the skills necessary for guitar repair and building, instrument repair technology, and luthier fundamentals. Typically, a certificate or diploma program from a vocational school takes less than two years to complete and will give you the basic training you need to get started.

How do I start a guitar repair business?

Then you may want to look for an apprenticeship opportunity that allows you to learn and work in this type of environment. If you’d rather run your own guitar repair shop one day, then you may want to start by apprenticing or getting an entry-level position in an established guitar repair shop.

What education do you need to become a guitar luthier?

If you decide to attend guitar luthier school like Musicians Institute, you’ll want to have a basic high school education to provide you with a strong foundation. Many luthiers started by teaching themselves the basics of guitar making and repair.

What does a guitar tech do?

These days, a guitar tech is a problem-solving, gear-knowing machine. They're the unsung heroes who keep your favourite bands' live shows ticking over. Teching is a viable career that requires skill and know-how.

How can I become a guitar tech?

Guitar technicians need a high school diploma or equivalent, though some community colleges offer programs in guitar technology. Apprenticeships or on-the-job training may also be available. These professionals should have hearing acuity for tone and pitch and the ability to play guitar.

What does a guitar tech earn?

approximately $52,200 annuallyOn average, Guitar Technicians can expect to earn approximately $52,200 annually. The salary range for Guitar Technicians runs from $35,000 to $79,000. Barnwell says, “It's different in different genres.

How much do top guitar techs make?

$57,500Guitar Repair Technician SalaryAnnual SalaryHourly WageTop Earners$57,500$2875th Percentile$45,500$22Average$40,237$1925th Percentile$30,500$15

What is a guitar repair person called?

A guitar luthier is a skilled craftsman who makes and repairs guitars. Like most careers in the music field, the work of a luthier isn't something you can learn overnight.

What does a guitar tech do in a band?

Depending on the type and size of band, the guitar tech may be responsible for stringing, tuning, and adjusting electric guitars and acoustic guitars, and maintaining and setting up guitar amplifiers and other related electronic equipment such as effect pedals.

What does a guitar tech do on tour?

A guitar tech is the person on tour responsible for the maintenance of the guitars. Their main priorities include loading and unloading the guitarists' gear, tuning and prepping guitars for the show, cleaning and changing strings, and replacing broken parts.

Do luthiers make good money?

The salaries of Luthiers in the US range from $19,960 to $61,290 , with a median salary of $38,609 . The middle 50% of Luthiers makes between $35,492 and $38,608, with the top 83% making $61,290.

Is there a demand for luthiers?

Luthier Job Outlook The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't forecast jobs for luthiers. But it projects a 4 percent decline in employment for musical instrument repairers and tuners – functions luthiers also perform – from 2020 to 2030.

How much do roadies get paid?

On average, Roadies earn approximately $34,200 annually. The salary range for Roadies runs from $23,000 to $51,000. Since Road Crew are freelance workers, they determine their own rates.

Is a guitar luthier a good career?

On average, luthiers make about $46,500 per year to build beautiful, incredible sounding guitars. Making a living as a luthier is rewarding. Creating stringed instruments that can be plucked or strummed is a fun process.

How do I become a certified luthier?

People looking to become Luthiers (aka Guitar Makers) typically start out as Apprentices or Assistants to a professional Luthier. This way, they get hands-on experience, which is important in such a hands-on profession. Plus, you learn to make guitars that you can then play once they're done.

What is a guitar tech called?

A luthier (/ˈluːtiər/ LOO-ti-ər; AmE also /ˈluːθiər/ LOO-thi-ər) is a craftsperson who builds or repairs string instruments that have a neck and a sound box. The word "luthier" is originally French and comes from the French word for lute.

Is it hard to be a guitar tech?

Attention to detail: Guitar repair often involves intricate or finely detail work, which requires a sense of awareness and meticulousness. Hand and power tools: Guitar technicians often use hand tools, power tools and other woodworking equipment to repair and service guitars, and they must be able to do so safely.

What does a roadie do in the music industry?

A roadie helps musicians while they are on tour by setting up and dismantling equipment, loading the van and perhaps driving it from gig to gig. Other names for a roadie include back stage crew or road crew.

How can I start playing guitar?

Some steps to a basic setup:Play your instrument. Plug it in and play. ... Evaluate the Neck and Truss Rod Adjustment. ... Adjust Bridge/Saddle Height. ... Check the Nut. ... Check electronics. ... Remove Strings, Tape off Pickups, Polish Frets, and Oil the Fretboard. ... Clean and fix any electronic issues. ... Restring.More items...•

What Does a Guitar Repair Technician Do?

A guitar repair technician performs maintenance on acoustic and electric guitars for customers or as a traveling guitar tech with a band. As a guitar repair technician, your duties are to provide any guitar service that is necessary.

How Do I Become a Guitar Repair Technician?

To become a guitar repair technician, you need in-depth familiarity with guitars. In addition to being able to play the instrument, you must have the qualifications to repair and rebuild both electric and acoustic guitars as well as restring and tune them.

What Is the Difference Between a Guitar Repair Technician and a Tour Guitar Technician?

The workplace is the primary difference between a guitar repair technician and a tour guitar technician. A guitar repair technician works for a particular employer at one location. This can include a music shop, instrument repair shop, or instrument manufacturing facility. Meanwhile, a tour guitar technician travels with a band during a tour.

How long does it take to become a guitar luthier?

Typically, a certificate or diploma program from a vocational school takes less than two years to complete and will give you the basic training you need to get started.

What is a guitar luthier?

A guitar luthier is a skilled craftsman who makes and repairs guitars. Like most careers in the music field, the work of a luthier isn’t something you can learn overnight. But those with a creative mind who are detail-oriented and like to tinker may find the work of a guitar luthier very rewarding. Below, we’ll talk more about what ...

What is a luthier?

In general, a luthier is a craftsman who makes and repairs stringed instruments. Most luthiers specialize in working with one type of instrument. A guitar luthier has studied and trained in the art of guitar repair and construction. Guitar luthiers typically work in one of three settings: guitar factory, guitar repair shop, ...

How to learn more about the job?

Cultivating relationships with others in the field is the best way to learn more about the job, gain experience in the field, and open new opportunities for yourself when it is time to find a job. Where you complete an apprenticeship will depend on what your plans are for the future.

What is an instrument repair specialist?

Instrument Repair & Restoration Specialists generally begin their careers as Apprentices to more skilled technicians. After they’ve put in some time learning on the job and are confident in their abilities, they can strike out on their own. Career advancement then comes through building a large, loyal clientele and through alliances with prestigious clients such as a city’s orchestra or a well-known musical artist.

What time do musicians work?

So if someone has to work, they come in after work or Saturdays or Sundays. Musicians don’t get up until 10 am at least so they tend to want to get here late, too.”.

Do you have to be a loner to be a repair technician?

You don’t necessarily have to be a loner, but it seems like quite a few are.”. “One of the most important traits a Repair Technician should possess is confidence. John says, “You want to be pretty self-confident when you start tearing into somebody else’s instrument.

Does junior college have an instrument repair program?

It’s not like every junior college has an instrument repair program.”. If repair classes or a technical program are not an option for the aspiring technician, he or she should contact music shops or self-employed Repair Specialists to inquire about job shadowing or apprentice possibilities.