Weekend Course

This course is designed to give you the fundamental skills to design, and then build, an electric guitar or bass.  Unlike alternative courses, I offer limited places with very small class sizes and you will be taught by me and only me. The course fees also include all your materials and hardware.

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 Due to the allotted time and student experience, it is highly recommended you stick to a classic bolt on style guitar without a neck angle like a Fender, or Fender inspired, instrument, for example a Ibanez/Jackson/Charvel/Music Man etc. Note this doesn't limit you to a Strat/Tele style shape, just the construction methods. But if you a small amount of basic woodworking knowledge and experience both set necks and carve tops can be undertaken.

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I will teach, guide and help you when needed every step of the way. By the end of the week you will be walking away with a guitar you have created yourself!

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The course fees include your woods, hardware and Bare Knuckle Boot camp pickups of choice, you can upgrade for a small additional cost to Bare Knuckle Standard or Signature pickups, or an alternative brand if so desired.  Bass players this includes any of the BKP bass pickups, like above, you can upgrade with an additional cost.

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Your hardware choice is either Hipshot or Gotoh, Graphtech Tusq nut, CTS pots and top end switches, as above you can choose different hardware which may contain additional costs.

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90% of the time I will be able to spray a satin Nitro finish on your guitar unless you are running behind, then the finish on the guitar will be hand rubbed oil and wax. 

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Body wood choices are either, Sapele mahogany, Black Limba, alder, basswood or ash.

Neck woods are, plain maple or mahogany.

Fret board woods are, ebony, rosewood or maple.

You can upgrade to a figured top if desired.

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Refreshments will be available all day in the form of tea, coffee, cold drinks, biscuits, crisps and fruit that is included in the course fee, these are not intended as a substitution for lunch. 

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We will stop for 45mins/1 hour each day to grab some lunch. This isn't provided in the course fees. There are two local options: next door to the workshop is the village pub that also has lovely rooms and shepherds huts to rent, and the village store is a 3min drive/18min walk away. The easiest option would be to bring a packed lunch with you.

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Accommodation options

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The Merry Harriers - this lovely pub is next door to The Old Coal Yard, the home of SMP Guitars' workshop. Located in the small picturesque village of Hambledon, Surrey, this is essentially the only pub/restaurant option in the village but you have many places to eat and drink a short drive/cab journey away.

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Premier Inn Godalming - 11mins drive away in the Market Town of Godalming, located on the outskirts of town so a short walk to the nearest shops, restaurants and pubs.

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The Kings Arms & Royal Hotel Godalming - 11mins drive away from the workshop, located in the heart of the Market Town of Godalming in close proximity to local shops, bars, pubs and restaurants.

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The Godalming Hotel - 11mins drive from the workshop, located close to Farncombe and Godalming amenities.

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Nearest Train Station

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Witley - 1.8 miles away, 5 min drive, 35 min walk.

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Milford - 2.2 miles away, 5 min drive, 41 min walk.

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Godalming  - 4.5 miles away - 10min drive.