2 minute read
SKETCHES BY THE EDITOR
Product Review by James Grover
Luthier School Review
Advertisement
Many of you know that I am a guitarist and I have worked alongside some of the greatest musicians of all time. Usually I would write on product reviews however I would like to review a bit of my career. Readers and fans alike have reached out to me inquiring how I became a guitar luthier?
After so many years working alongside Kevin Eubanks as a Guitar tech and artist relations specialists I decided that I would like to find a school that offers instrument building.
In 2016 I was curious in learning to build guitars so I did research online and I came across Palomar College which is located in Northern County San Diego in the city of San Marcos in Southern California. I did more research into the school and then I learned that they just don’t do instrument building courses but they offer a lot of woodworking courses such as furniture building, wood carving, clock building and full courses in wood working which is taught by many well skilled faculty.
So I took my chances in enrolling thinking “what am I getting myself into?”... lol, The first class I took was a clock-making class in which is mandatory to learn machine and shop safety. Once you have completed the entry level course you are entitled to take a guitar setup class which is taught by Jeff Scott who is a great luthier and owner of (Illusion ) guitars.
I never imagined that going back to school to do wood working would be so much fun. Here I am some guy who’s been in the music spotlight since my early 20’s and walking into a classroom of the unknown, I felt very welcomed, Some of my classmates in the class recognized me as working in the music industry so they had questions since we all had the same interest as guitar enthusiasts lol. After a few minutes we all warmed up to each other and now we were on our way to many semesters of wood working together in which I made two guitars.
I had the opportunity to catch up with one of my classmates Daron Hornbeek who is a great guitarist. Daron and I met at Palomar in our first semester in guitar making. Together we learned and milled some of the best guitars one can make. Today Daron and I are friends and we both realize how important this school is in the trade of instrument building and fine wood working. I do recommend all guitar or woodworking enthusiasts to look into the Palomar College wood working programs.
I would like to thank all my Readers, Fans, Jeff Scott, Jack Stone who have made these courses possible and thanks to all the Teacher Assistance who volunteer to ensure guidance and safety in woodworking programs at Palomar.
Info: www2.palomar.edu
