Are you looking for the best YouTube channels that specialize in luthiers and guitar music? Not sure where to start? Look no further! We've scoured the web and come up with the best in luthier and guitar building, woodworking, DIY workshops, and acoustic music. From handmade instruments to tips and tricks in the studio, you're sure to find something to appeal to your particular interests within these channels. Read on to discover the best of the best.
Luthier: Top Youtube Channels
Murilo Luthier
Murilo Luthier is a YouTube channel dedicated to handcrafting guitars and providing helpful tutorials. On the channel, viewers can explore tips and tricks on setting up and constructing guitars, as well as see Murilo's different handmade creations. This channel is perfect for any budding luthier trying to add a personal touch to their instrument.
Awen Lutherie - Custom Guitars
Awen Lutherie - Custom Guitars is a YouTube channel devoted to showcasing the craftsmanship and skill of a luthier who builds custom electric guitars. Using a combination of both traditional hand tools and modern power tools, the channel offers clear instruction and visual demonstrations on how to build a guitar from start to finish. It's a great resource for those interested in guitar building or anyone who wants to learn more about the professional work of a luthier.
Steven Den Toom Luthier
Steven Den Toom Luthier is a YouTube channel for anyone interested in the traditional luthier lifestyle. Den Toom showcases his handmade guitars and other string instruments, as well as talks about the process and art of making these instruments. He also covers topics from music theory to classical music playing. With his informative and entertaining content, this channel is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about luthiers and the hobby of making music.
kevinleeluthier
Kevin Lee Luthier?s YouTube channel showcases the world's best violin techniques and music with a focus on the the Romantic School of Music. His channel has a variety of how-to videos to teach viewers how to play the violin, as well as teaching them how to make, repair, and maintain master-level violins and their components. He also dives into Nicolo Paganini, the 19th century composer, and his influence on violin-making practice.
diyluthier
The diyluthier YouTube channel is a great resource for budding and experienced guitarists alike. The channel features DIY tutorials related to luthiery and electric guitars, such as tips for guitar setup including truss rod and string action, as well as building and wiring effects pedals. diyluthier covers everything from classic Les Paul and semi-acoustic guitars to modern solid body electrics. A great resource for the experienced luthier or novice guitar player.
Daisy Tempest
Daisy Tempest is a luthier who produces bespoke acoustic guitars, primarily based on the classical guitar. She is an accomplished acoustic guitarist and offers a variety of fingerstyle guitar tutorials on her YouTube channel. Her Tempest Guitars are boutique instruments renowned for their intricate binding processes. Daisy Tempest's YouTube channel offers a wealth of information for acoustic guitar players and enthusiasts.
Michael Watts
Michael Watts is a YouTube channel devoted to the world of luthier. His videos feature a variety of luthier stories, from building dream guitars, to modifying a dreadnought, to Michael himself and his many adventures. Michael also showcases acoustic guitars from Kostal and Somogyi and offers creative tips for playing the guitar.
Driftwood Guitars
Driftwood Guitars is a YouTube channel focused on the artful craft of luthiery and the lifestyle of guitar-making as a hobby. With regular videos featuring the construction of guitars and related articles, this channel is perfect for those interested in discovering how to make their own guitars from driftwood!
Beau Hannam Guitars
Crimson Custom Guitars
Guitar Salon International
Guitar Salon International's YouTube channel showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of hand-made guitars, featuring a variety of luthiers from around the world. Enjoy guitar videos of nylon and steel string acoustic guitars, including some of the best Antonio de Torres models and other relaxing guitar tunes. Each video captures the unique sound, materials and feel of these guitars and allows the viewer to explore the full range of the instrument.
Tonedevil Guitars
Temple Guitars
Temple Guitars is a YouTube channel created by luthier Jay van der Werff. He provides tutorials and how-to videos covering all aspects of custom building luthiery and DIY guitar making. He includes some amazing insights into woodworking and will guide you through making a unique, custom guitar from start to finish. Tune in to his channel for lots of tips and tricks on guitar building and woodworking.
Crimson Guitars Extras
Crimson Guitars Extras is a YouTube channel run by luthier Ben Crowe and his team at the Crimson Guitars guitar building shop. It features everything from behind the scenes look at the making of beautiful custom electric guitars, to interviews with Crowe and tutorials on the art of luthiery and the many steps involved in the build process at their guitar building school. It's a great channel for aspiring luthiers and guitar builders!
OBrienGuitars
OBrienGuitars is a YouTube channel dedicated to providing viewers with helpful luthier tips du jour created by renowned luthier, O'Brien Guitars. Through instructional videos, followers can learn more about guitar-building techniques, repairs, and other related knowledge. Join OBrienGuitars to get the latest luthier tips and tutorials!
Turnstone Guitar Company
The Turnstone Guitar Company YouTube channel is all about handcrafted acoustic and steelstring guitars made by luthiers in England. Every custom instrument is handmade with skill and care and showcases amazing craftsmanship. Fans of quality luthor-made instruments won't want to miss what the Turnstone Guitar Company has in store.
Chuck Morrison
Chuck Morrison's YouTube channel is a great resource for anyone interested in classical guitar and acoustics. He focuses on the craft of luthier work and shares his expertise on making and tuning classical guitars. He also provides tutorials on various topics related to the making of acoustic guitars.
Petrek Guitars
Petrek Guitars is a YouTube channelrun by a luthier creating custom made guitars and basses out of his guitar workshop. He provides gitarren service and gitarrenbau with his artistry as a zupfinstrumentenmacher, creating excellent quality kunsthandwerk with precision. He occasionally offers kunstinstallation of his guitars and basses as well.
Augment Guitars
Augment Guitars is a custom guitar builder on YouTube that specializes in hand-made and DIY instruments, including guitars and basses, created by master luthier Jason Esplin. Here, you can watch the process of construction and see how a beautiful, custom-made instrument comes to life. With helpful build tips and tricks, Augment Guitars is a great source for learning about luthiery and custom guitar building.
Turkowiak Guitars
Turkowiak Guitars is a YouTube channel run by luthier Robert Turkowiak, who showcases his handmade, custom-made acoustic and classical guitars. He focuses on a variety of guitar styles such as concert, flamenco, jazz, and even 10-string guitars. Watch his videos and learn more about his craftsmanship and the various nuances of each guitar type.
Flowforth Instruments
Fret Friend: Guitar Workshop
Allen Eden Guitars
The Allen Eden Guitars YouTube channel is a fantastic destination for electric guitar and bass aficionados. It showcases music, lutherie and the craft of luthier Allen Eden in all its forms. Fans of electric guitar and bass love discovering and learning from all the different tones, styles and pieces that Allen Eden builds. Let Allen Eden Guitars be your guide to the world of electric guitar and bass!
RedTree Collective
RedTree Collective is a YouTube channel that documents the process of luthier, guiter building, and guitar making. Viewers can learn how to make both electric and acoustic guitars and gain valuable insight into the craftsmanship of luthier, woodworking, and workshop techniques. RedTree Collective also provides behind the scenes look at the building of vintage guitars.
McNally Guitars
McNally Guitar's YouTube channel offers viewers an in-depth look into the world of handmade acoustic guitar luthery. From tools of the trade to detailed tutorials and guitarmaking advice from experienced luthier Steve McNally, it's the perfect place to gain valuable insight into the art of guitarmaking.
Santa Barbara Acoustic Instrument Celebration
The Santa Barbara Acoustic Instrument Celebration YouTube channel is an amazing resource for those interested in all things related to the luthier craft and music. They showcase handcrafted instruments from the finest of craftspeople, featuring videos of how they are made and how they sound. Dive into the world of acoustic instruments and discover new music from around the world.
Tsiorba Guitars
Tsiorba Guitars is a YouTube channel featuring master luthier, guitarmaker, and constructor, Carlos Tsiorba. He specializes in handmade classical and flamenco guitars, creating each one from scratch, and repairing existing guitars. He also provides insights into his meticulous construction process, expertly crafting each piece based on decades of experience. For anyone looking for a high quality custom guitar or eager to learn what goes into building a great handmade instrument, Tsiorba Guitars is the perfect educational and inspirational resource.
Randy Wood's Pickin' Parlor
David Schramm Guitars
Exploring the Different Types of Luthier Skills
Crafting a guitar by hand is a skill that has been developed and practiced for centuries, and it is often referred to as “luthiering”. A luthier is a craftsman or builder of stringed instruments, specifically the stringed instruments of the lute family. There are many different luthier skills involved in the process of producing a guitar, such as the ability to select quality wood, wire the strings, and add any necessary decorative elements. In order to create a truly unique and top-notch instrument, these unique skills are essential.
- The first luthier skill is the selection of proper woods. Different types of wood will produce different tones and colorings when put together, so a luthier must be able to pick the right combination to create the desired sound. They also must take into account any needed reinforcement or enhancement that may be needed for certain sections for the instrument’s acoustic sound. After the appropriate type of wood has been chosen, the luthier must then carefully cut it, shape it, and apply finishings to the guitar body and neck.
- The second critical luthier skill is wiring the strings. Setting up a guitar’s strings can be quite tedious, as the luthier must make sure they are properly tensioned and sound the right note. The luthier must also be able to properly install the bridge and nut, which allow the strings to stay in place. With all of these components, the luthier must make sure the guitar produces a consistent and accurate sound.
- The last and most often overlook skill is adding decorative elements. By inlaying pieces of ivory or colorful stones into the instrument’s body, the luthier can give it a unique and beautiful look. Such a design can also help to improve the sound resonance, making it a critical aspect of crafting a guitar from scratch.
In the end, a truly great instrument requires a mix of different luthier skills, from the most practical and technical to the more creative and decorative. Without having all of these elements, a guitar will not live up to its full potential and can prevent aspiring musicians from reaching their highest levels of expression. As such, the skill of a luthier should be highly appreciated, and their craft should be celebrated and embraced.
How to Choose the Right Materials for Luthier
Choosing the right materials to use for luthier work is an important first step in building your instrument. As a luthier, you have a range of materials to choose from, depending on the type of instrument you’re looking to build. Decisions around materials affect the sound and playability of the instrument, so it is essential to consider all factors when deciding how to go about selecting them.
- When selecting stringed instruments, the tone woods used can provide a range of sounds. Spruce is often used for acoustic guitars, due to its bright sound, while mahogany and rosewood are more commonly used for electric guitars, given their ability to create a richer, richer sound.
- Other common materials for neck and fretboard construction include maple, ebony and rosewood, each of which offers a slight variation in sound. Additionally, the hardware used for things like bridges, strings, and pickups should also be taken into consideration. Selecting good, high quality hardware can have a huge impact on an instrument’s performance.
Ultimately, finding the right materials for luthier projects will take time and practice. There are many different materials available so it’s important to take the time to research and experiment before settling on a particular choice. It is also important to consider the other components of luthiery work, such as the nut and bridge, to ensure that the sound is optimal for the style of instrument being built. With a bit of research and experimentation, any luthier should be able to find the right materials to build a great sounding instrument.
Tips for Troubleshooting Common Luthier Issues.
When piecing together complex instruments such as guitars, ukuleles, and violins, any number of issues can arise during the luthier process. In order to properly fix any and all as they arise, here are some tips on successfully troubleshooting common luthier issues.
- First, check each step of the construction process. Verify that joints are properly glued, components are tightened, parts are in alignment, and any other step is effectively carried out. Taking these measures will ensure that the instrument is in its intended design, and that any malfunction may be the result of an external force.
- If the item still appears off in any way, try testing connections and pickups to make sure they are properly wired, as these can be easy to miss while constructing the instrument.
- Lastly, observe the environment to see if any extreme temperatures, humidity levels, or any other factors have any effects on the functionality of the instrument. Once all of these steps are observed, the luthier should be able to confidently diagnose any issues with the instrument.
By following these steps, luthiers should be able to easily and effectively troubleshoot any common issues, leaving them with a quality product for clients. By taking the time to make sure all the steps in the construction process are in line with the intended design, luthiers can be sure the instrument will function as intended. With these tips, any luthier should be prepared to effectively troubleshoot any instruments they work on.
