Build your own Strat in just three days

Coldplay guitar techs brush up on their Strat-making skills in East Sussex: guitar techs and enthusiasts alike can learn how to build a custom-made electric guitar in just three days, thanks to Guitar Tech Courses, owned and run by luthier James Collins in his studio based in Winchelsea, East Sussex.

Unlike other guitar building classes, Guitar Tech Courses provide each student with ready-made high-quality guitar parts and components, so no word-working or design skills are needed.

Students can choose to build either a Stratocaster- or Telecaster-style guitar, and can vary the colour, style and type of many of the guitar’s components, creating a unique instrument which is superior in sound and tone to most mass-made guitars.

The structured three-day curriculum includes both theoretical and practical aspects of electric guitar making. Students also learn the details of guitar set up and maintenance, so that they can look after and make the most of their cherished instrument.

The courses cost from £799. The fee includes professional tools, course materials, guitar parts and components, all of which are of the highest quality.

Classes are kept deliberately small: a maximum of three students per group, so that James can closely supervise each student and tailor the course to their individual needs.

The courses are open to everyone from complete beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, guitar technicians and professionals. There’s no upper or lower age limit for the courses, either.

Recent graduates and happy customers include Coldplay’s guitar technicians, Matt McGinn and Craig Hope.

Matt says, “We went on the Strat-building course to brush up on our skills. Hoppy (Craig Hope) has a lot of guitar-mending to do for Chris (Martin), whereas I needed to know more about effects and tunings, as Jonny (Buckland) never breaks anything!

James was enthusiastic, helpful, and a great tutor. The course was fantastic value: we even got to keep the axe at the end.”

At the end of the course, students come home with their signed custom-made electric guitar, guitar case and certificate.

Course details, vouchers and booking forms can be found on www.guitartechcourses.com or by contacting James on 01797 462222.