Thursday 6:00 - 9:00 PM
This hands-on course introduces STEM concepts during a real-world guitar building experience. Each student will focus on using specialized tools, techniques and craftsmanship to design and fabricate a custom hollow body acoustic guitar. Each student will follow a rigorous academic schedule which develops skills across disciplines including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students will keep their guitar once it is completed.
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Critical Thinking
- Responsibility
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• S Describing wood species and their attendant environment issues.
• S Describing wood species and their attendant environment issues.
• S Select proper finishes for acoustic guitars based on their acoustic properties, as well as their chemistry
and compatibility.
• S Identify and describe the various physical-science aspects of the guitar.
• S Identify and describe the use of simple machines and
• T Identify components of an acoustic guitar.
• T Demonstrate the appropriate and safe use of specialized hand and power tools, emphasizing the care,
adjusting, and sharpening of these tools.
• T Apply design and assembly skills to achieve a playable instrument
• E Create proper acoustic-guitar headstock design features.
• M Solve math problems relative to all aspects of guitar design & fabrication, such as fretboard layout.
General Education Goals and Objectives
Several General Education outcomes for this course are:
• Critical Thinking
o Identify the constraints imposed by knowledge, resource availability and/or external sources which may influence proposed solutions.
o Interpret and/or troubleshoot complex topics (diagrams, technical drawings, graphs, experimental
and test results) and apply systematic processes resulting in formed conclusions.
• Responsibility
o Students will always demonstrate safe shop environment practices.
Class Format
• Announcements
• Introductions/roll call
• Lecture
• Shop demonstrations
• Shop time
Faculty Contact Information
Thursday 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Also available by appointment.
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify components of an acoustic guitar. - Technology
- Describing wood species and their attendant environment issues. - Science
- Create proper acoustic-guitar headstock design features. - Engineering
- Solve math problems relative to all aspects of guitar design and fabrication, such as fretboard layout. - Math
- Select proper finishes for acoustic guitars based on their acoustic properties, as well as their chemistry and compatibility. - Science
- Identify and describe the various physical-science aspects of the guitar. - Science
- Identify and describe the use of simple machines and mechanical systems in a guitar. - Engineering
- Demonstrate the appropriate and safe use of specialized hand and power tools, emphasizing the care, adjusting, and sharpening of these tools. - Technology
- Apply design and assembly skills to achieve a playable instrument. - Technology
Week 1, Introduction STEM Guitar II – Acoustic
- Learning Objectives:
- Explore the history of Guitarbuilding.org
- Review the types of builds at Guitarbuilding.org
- Define the typical KCC acoustic build.
- Describe and discuss the need for PPE in the lab area, specifically focusing on safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust masks.
- Assemble the bent sides, neck block, and tail block of the soundbox.
- In-Class Activities:
- Review Syllabus
- Review Canvas
- Sign photo/video release
- Review safety procedures
- Sign KCC Safety Contract
- Hand out guitar bent sides, neck block, tail block, and body forms
- Review gluing procedures.
- Prepare to glue the bent sides to the end blocks.
- Glue rim to end blocks.
Week 2, Constructing the Soundbox - I
- Learning Objectives:
- Visually identify and properly name the components of a hollow-body acoustic guitar on a pictorial diagram of a guitar or on an actual, physical guitar.
- Analyze an acoustic-guitar manufacturing plan.
- Demonstrate proper use of the tools used in the fabrication of acoustic guitars.
- Describe, and demonstrate the basic steps in the process sharpening edged, cutting tools, and deploying them safely in their appropriate uses.
- Install the kerfing.
- Create a 25-foot radius to the bent sides.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 2 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities:
- Create a 25’ radius to each side of the rim.
- Glue in the kerfing.
- Create a 25’ radius to each side of the rim with kerfing.
Week 3, Constructing the Soundbox - II
- Learning Objectives:
- Calculate quantities of materials, costs, and sizes of an acoustic guitar in a spreadsheet.
- Analysis of costs and benefits of critical guitar components.
- Analyze the real-world problem of wood-species extinction relative to the legacy materials used in guitar construction.
- Define the concept of “tone woods,” list at least three of these, and describe their specific uses in acoustic guitars.
- Assemble soundbox top bracing.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 3 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities:
- Prepare to glue the top bracing to the top.
- Draw a center line on the backside of the spruce top.
- Dry fit all top bracing pieces to the spruce top.
- Locate the bracing from the top.
- Use locating tool for proper placement of the bracing to the spruce top.
- Glue the bracing to the spruce top using the go-bar deck.
- Acoustic Guitar Progress Check #1
Week 4, Constructing the Soundbox - III
- Learning Objectives:
- Explain the application of the Golden Mean (Golden Ratio) to the size, shape, and physical form of an acoustic guitar.
- Explain and demonstrate how to nondestructively bend and form thin pieces of wood to create curved forms for soundbox sides.
- Visualize relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects.
- Assemble the top bracing to the soundbox.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 4 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities:
- Remove DO NOT GLUE pieces.
- Prepare to notch the top kerfing.
- Notch the kerfing.
- Trim the top with a bandsaw.
- Glue the top to the rim using spool clamps.
Week 5, Back Bracing and Rim Preparation
- Learning Objectives:
- Make formal geometric constructions with a variety of tools and methods.
- Apply geometric methods to solve design problems.
- Assemble the back bracing.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 6 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities:
- Draw a centerline on the inside face of the guitar back.
- Glue on back bracing to the back.
- Notch the rim for the rear bracing ends.
- Apply 1/4 inch radius to the ends of the neck
Week 5, Routing the Neck Pocket
- Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate how to read a ruler.
- Demonstrate precision measurement and marking out of measurements.
- Discuss the significance of material-hardness relative to the process of sharpening edged, cutting tools for wood working.
- Create the neck pocket with a router.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 5 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities:
- Flush trim the entire top perimeter with a router.
- Prepare to rout the neck pocket.
- Insert the open-ended insert.
- Drill a hole in the center of the neck pocket.
- Set the router bit.
- Router the neck pocket.
- Router for the neck shims.
- Acoustic Guitar Progress Check #2
Week 7, Neck Glue-up
- Learning Objectives:
- Explain and demonstrate how deflection can result from the interaction of tension and compression in a guitar neck’s truss rod.
- Explain and demonstrate the direction of torque on a truss-rod adjusting nut to cause an upward deflection in the middle of the guitar neck.
- Explain and demonstrate the direction of torque on a truss-rod adjusting nut to cause a downward deflection in the middle of the guitar neck.
- Assemble the fretboard to the neck.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 7 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Week 8 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- In-Class Activities:
- Locate the fretboard on the neck.
- Prepare to tack the fretboard to the neck.
- Put the neck and fretboard together.
- Take the neck and fretboard apart.
- Using rubber bands, glue your neck and fretboard together.
- Remove the rubber bands after 45 minutes.
Week 8, Neck Fitting and Attachment,
- Learning Objectives:
- Fit the neck to the body.
- Assemble the neck to the body.
- Install side dots
- Install fret dots * Optional
- Create the fretboard radius
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 8 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Week 8 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- In-Class Activities:
- Trim the edges of the neck flush with the edges of the fretboard.
- Locate and drill two 1/8 inch diameter holes through the neck and fretboard.
- Place the neck in the neck pocket and drill through the neck into the neck block.
- Enlarge the holes in the neck and countersink.
- Attach the neck using two 2” long drywall screws.
- The fretboard end may be cut off.
- Remove the neck and set aside.
- Install side dots.
- Install fret dots * Optional
- Create fretboard radius.
Week 9, Attaching the Bridge
- Learning Objectives:
- Locate the bridge to the body.
- Attach the bridge to the body
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 9 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities
- Prepare to locate and attach the bridge.
- Sand the backside of the bridge to conform to the radius of the top.
- Verify the string saddle fits into the bridge.
- Use the bridge locating template to establish the bridge position.
- Use a pencil to transfer the location of the two outer E strings to the guitar top.
- You will glue the bridge to the guitar top.
- Use the USGKIT bridge clamp to adhere the bridge to the body.
- Places scrap bits of wood on the ends of the bridge.
- Check if more clamping force is needed.
- If you have glued the bridge on well, the entire bridge will be adhered to the top with no glue squeeze-out.
- Allow the glue to dry 45 minutes and remove the bridge clamp.
- Guitar Progress Check #3
Week 10, Gluing on the Back, Flushing the Edges and Shaping the Neck Rear Contour
- Learning Objectives:
- Attach the back to the body.
- Flush the edges
- Shape the neck rear contour.
- Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the soundbox.
- Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the fretboard.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 10 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal.
- In-Class Activities:
- Prepare to trim the back to slightly oversize.
- Remove the bracing pieces labeled “DO NOT GLUE”
- Glue the back to the rim using spool clamps.
- Rout all remaining back edges flush
- Scrape and sand the top and back flush to the sides.
- Round the edges of the top and back of the guitar.
- Shape the neck rear contour.
- Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the soundbox.
- Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the fretboard
Week 11, Frets
- Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of string instrument scale length and how fret locations are determined by calculation when given the scale length of the string instrument.
- Explain sound frequency and wavelength.
- Explain and demonstrate the frequency difference between the vibration of an open string and that same string shortened to the 12th fret.
- Explain guitar “scale length.”
- Define a plan of parallel operations for guitar fabrication.
- Prepare fretboard for fret install
- Install frets.
- File fret ends.
- Level frets.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 11 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities:
- Preparing the fretboard.
- Install frets.
- File fret ends.
- Level frets.
- Apply two more coats of Tru-oil to the soundbox.
Week 12, Headstock
- Learning Objectives:
- Calculate how much a string post has turned based on a knob-turn amount expressed as degrees or fractional turns.
- Calculate the linear distance of a string movement the post diameter, gearing ratio, and number of knob turns.
- Create the headstock shape.
- Install the tuners.
- Install the string nut.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 12 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities:
- Sand a 17 degree angle from vertical in the end of the ebony headplate.
- Glue the headplate to the headstock.
- Create a peghead shape and locate the six tuner holes.
- Cut the headstock on the bandsaw.
- Install the tuners.
- Install the string nut.
- Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the soundbox.
- Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the neck only.
- Acoustic Guitar Progress Check #4
Week 13, Final Assembly - I
- Learning Objectives:
- Attach the neck.
- Fit the bridge saddle and pins
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 13 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
- In-Class Activities:
- Neck attachment overview.
- Attach the neck to the body.
- Verify that the fretboard extension is not pressing on the spruce top.
- Fit your bridge saddle.
- Fit the bridge pins.
Week 14, Final Assembly - II
- Learning Objectives:
- Define acoustic strings
- Install the strings.
- Perform open tuning.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 14 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Finals Week Wednesday 5:15 PM
- In-Class Activities:
- Install the strings.
- Perform open tuning.
Week 15, Guitar Setup
- Learning Objectives:
- Adjust string height.
- Adjust truss rods.
- Perform open tuning.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 15 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Finals Week Wednesday 5:15 PM
- In-Class Activities:
- Measure the bridge string height.
- Measure the first fret string height.
- Filing the nut slots.
- Verify the neck relief.
- Changing the neck shims if needed.
- Perform truss rod adjustment.
- Perform open tuning.
- Acoustic Guitar Progress Check #5
Week 16, The Finishing Touches
- Learning Objectives:
- Describe intonation basics.
- Perform final intonation.
- Before-Class Activities:
- Reading and viewing assignment – Online
- Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 16 Wednesday 5:15 PM
- Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Finals Week Wednesday 5:15 PM
- In-Class Activities:
- Perform intonation
Finals Week, Final Guitar Quality Evaluation
- In-Class Activities:
- Exit survey
- Acoustic guitar quality evaluation
- Class photo
- Guitar jam
None
Evaluation
Grading for the course will be based on attendance, quizzes\study questions\homework, workshop/lab
cleanup/safety, guitar building journal, guitar build progress checks, class photo, exit survey, and final acoustic
guitar quality rubric.
Program Grading Scale:
Grade Points
A 900-1000
B 800-899
C 700-799
D 600-699
F 599 or less
Evaluation:
Attendance 80
Study questions\ homework 260
Workshop/lab cleanup/safety 75
Guitar building journal 80
Acoustic guitar build progress checks 235
Acoustic guitar quality rubric 220
Class photo 25
Exit survey 25
Business, Technology & Human Services
Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650
Covid-19
KCC continues to comply with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health as we teach and learn in the COVID-19 era. Masks are optional.
Time Commitment Expectation
- At a minimum, the average person can expect to spend one to two additional hours outside of class. This time will be dedicated to reading and viewing online materials, answering study questions, completing homework, studying for quizzes, and building an electric guitar.
- Students who choose to have a custom paint finish must spent extra time outside of class time priming, painting, and clear-coating their guitar.
Class Attendance
- Regular attendance at all scheduled class sessions is expected.
- There are NO excused absences.
- Attendance can not be made up.
- To receive full class attendance points, you must not be late or leave early.
- Reading assignments are indicated on Canvas, and should be finished before the topic is covered in class.
- Some important information provided during the lecture/lab does not appear in Canvas. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain handouts and information presented for any class for which he/she is absent.
- The student should complete all tasks during the week for any class that was missed.
- If a student misses four or more classes in one semester, he/she may receive an automatic “F”.
Lab Cleanup and Safety
- Lab cleanup is from 8:45 - 9:00 PM.
- All students must preform cleanup duties.
- There are NO excused cleanup absences.
- If a student chooses to work with permission and supervision from an instructor after 9:00 PM, he/she must cleanup after themselves.
- Students not wearing safety glasses in the wood shop will lose their cleanup and safety grade for the day.
- Students using a cell phone in the wood shop will lose their cleanup and safety grade for the day.
Classroom Code of Conduct
- Use of cell phones during class is not permitted in the workshop.
- Use of tablets or laptops during class is not permitted in the workshop.
- No texting, Twitter, Facebook, Internet surfing not related to electric guitar building.
- No playing video games.
- No Food in the Innovation Lab (Room V111).
- Please turn off or set cell phones to vibrate. If a call must be answered, please leave the classroom quietly.
- If you violate any of this policies, you will lose that day’s attendance points and be asked to leave the class.
Computer Graphic Technology Lab Safety
- All students must sign the V111 Innovation Safety Contract before working the the lab.
- Students will be allowed to work in V102 Engineering Design Lab or V107 Graphic Design Lab outside of scheduled Computer Graphic Technology class times during open building hours. Lab schedules are typically posted on the door or bulletin board.
- Students will not be allowed to work in V111 Innovation Lab Wood Shop outside of enrolled class times without prior approval or consent of instructor or program coordinator and direct supervision of tutor, instructor or program coordinator.
- Students will be allowed to work in V111 Innovation Lab Tech Room outside of enrolled class times with prior approval or consent of instructor or program coordinator. However, no power tools may be used.
- Students must supply and wear safety glasses in the wood shop.
- Students must wear closed toe shoes at all times.
- Students must not wear loose fitting clothing. Students with long hair shall tie it back.
- No headphones or earbuds are NOT allowed at any time.
Student Support Hours
- The Innovation Lab V111 will typically be open for use on 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM before class.
- Students may email, or telephone or schedule appointments with instructors virtually (Canvas BigBlueButton, or Webex), during the instructors' student support hours. Students may also meet face-to-face with the professors at his/her office.
- Instructors will respond to student emails and other communication within a 24-hour period Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semester. If an email is unable to resolve a student issue/concern, the professors will schedule to meet with a student virtually (Canvas BigBlueButton, or Webex).
Study Questions Homework Policy
- Study Questions Homework can NOT be made up.
- Study Questions Homework must be submitted by the date/time due.
- Any student failing to submit Study Questions Homework by the date/time due will receive a zero.
- Students with four submittals below 50% will be removed from the class roster.
- First failed submittal (below 50%) will result in a verbal warning.
- Second failed submittal (below 50%) will result in written warning.
- Third failed submittal (below 50%) will result in removal from Innovation Lab for the day with written warning.
- Forth failed submittal (below 50%) will result in be withdrawn from the class roster.
Guitar Progress Checks Policy
- Guitar progress checks must be submitted by the date/time due for full credit.
- Guitar progress checks submitted after the date/time will not receive credit.
Guitar Build Journals Policy
- Guitar Build Journals must be submitted by the date/time due for full credit.
- Guitar Build Journals submitted after the date/time will not receive credit.
Pop Quiz Policy
- Pop Quizzes cannot be made up.
- Any student missing a Pop Quiz will receive a zero.
- Any student arriving late for the Pop Quiz will not be given extra time to complete the Pop Quiz.
- Pop Quizzes may not be taken online outside of class.
KCC Student Athletes Policy
- All student athletes will be granted attendance points while participating in KCC sporting events, not practices.
- All missed labs, quizzes and tests due to sporting events must be completed within one week of the scheduled quiz or test.
- All missed quizzes and tests due to sporting events must be rescheduled during posted office hours.
Incomplete Grade Policy
- All course requirements must be completed by the end date of the course.
- An incomplete grade will NOT be granted regardless of the extenuating circumstances.
Plagiarism
- KCC defines plagiarism: Representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own. Plagiarism includes claiming credit for assignments completed by someone else. Copying someone else’s homework file is plagiarism.
- In all academic work, the ideas and contributions of others must be appropriately acknowledged and work that is presented as original must be, in fact, original. Using an AI-content generator (such as CHATGPT) to complete coursework without proper attribution or authorization is a form of academic dishonesty.
- If you are unsure about whether something may be plagiarism or academic dishonesty, please contact your instructor to discuss the issue. First violation will result in a zero for the assignment. The second violation will result in “f” failing of the course.
Week 1, Introduction STEM Guitar II – Acoustic, Thursday 1/15/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Explore the history of Guitarbuilding.org
• Review the types of builds at Guitarbuilding.org
• Define the typical KCC acoustic build.
• Describe and discuss the need for PPE in the lab area, specifically focusing on safety glasses, hearing
protection, and dust masks.
• Assemble the bent sides, neck block, and tail block of the soundbox.
In-Class Activities:
• Review Syllabus
• Review Canvas
• Sign photo/video release
• Review safety procedures
• Sign KCC Safety Contract
• Hand out guitar bent sides, neck block, tail block, and body forms
• Review gluing procedures.
• Prepare to glue the bent sides to the end blocks.
• Glue rim to end blocks.
Week 2, Constructing the Soundbox - I, Thursday 1/22/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Visually identify and properly name the components of a hollow-body acoustic guitar on a pictorial diagram of
a guitar or on an actual, physical guitar.
• Analyze an acoustic-guitar manufacturing plan.
• Demonstrate proper use of the tools used in the fabrication of acoustic guitars.
• Describe, and demonstrate the basic steps in the process sharpening edged, cutting tools, and deploying
them safely in their appropriate uses.
• Install the kerfing.
• Create a 25-foot radius to the bent sides.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 2 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Create a 25’ radius to each side of the rim.
• Glue in the kerfing.
• Create a 25’ radius to each side of the rim with kerfing.
Week 3, Constructing the Soundbox - II, Thursday 1/29/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Calculate quantities of materials, costs, and sizes of an acoustic guitar in a spreadsheet.
• Analysis of costs and benefits of critical guitar components.
• Analyze the real-world problem of wood-species extinction relative to the legacy materials used in guitar
construction.
• Define the concept of “tone woods,” list at least three of these, and describe their specific uses in acoustic
guitars.
• Assemble soundbox top bracing.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 3 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Prepare to glue the top bracing to the top.
• Draw a center line on the backside of the spruce top.
• Dry fit all top bracing pieces to the spruce top.
• Locate the bracing from the top.
• Use locating tool for proper placement of the bracing to the spruce top.
• Glue the bracing to the spruce top using the go-bar deck.
Acoustic Guitar Progress Check #1
Week 4, Constructing the Soundbox - III, Thursday 2/5/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Explain the application of the Golden Mean (Golden Ratio) to the size, shape, and physical form of an
acoustic guitar.
• Explain and demonstrate how to nondestructively bend and form thin pieces of wood to create curved forms
for soundbox sides.
• Visualize relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects.
• Assemble the top bracing to the soundbox.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 4 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Remove DO NOT GLUE pieces.
• Prepare to notch the top kerfing.
• Notch the kerfing.
• Trim the top with a bandsaw.
• Glue the top to the rim using spool clamps.
Week 5, Back Bracing and Rim Preparation, Thursday 2/12/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Make formal geometric constructions with a variety of tools and methods.
• Apply geometric methods to solve design problems.
• Assemble the back bracing.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 6 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Draw a centerline on the inside face of the guitar back.
• Glue on back bracing to the back.
• Notch the rim for the rear bracing ends.
• Apply 1/4 inch radius to the ends of the neck
Week 6, Routing the Neck Pocket, Thursday 2/19/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Demonstrate how to read a ruler.
• Demonstrate precision measurement and marking out of measurements.
• Discuss the significance of material-hardness relative to the process of sharpening edged, cutting tools for
wood working.
• Create the neck pocket with a router.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 5 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Flush trim the entire top perimeter with a router.
• Prepare to rout the neck pocket.
• Insert the open-ended insert.
• Drill a hole in the center of the neck pocket.
• Set the router bit.
• Router the neck pocket.
• Router for the neck shims.
Acoustic Guitar Progress Check #2
Week 7, Neck Glue-up, Thursday 2/26/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Explain and demonstrate how deflection can result from the interaction of tension and compression in a guitar
neck’s truss rod.
• Explain and demonstrate the direction of torque on a truss-rod adjusting nut to cause an upward deflection in
the middle of the guitar neck.
• Explain and demonstrate the direction of torque on a truss-rod adjusting nut to cause a downward deflection
in the middle of the guitar neck.
• Assemble the fretboard to the neck.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 7 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Week 8 Wednesday 5:15 PM
In-Class Activities:
• Locate the fretboard on the neck.
• Prepare to tack the fretboard to the neck.
• Put the neck and fretboard together.
• Take the neck and fretboard apart.
• Using rubber bands, glue your neck and fretboard together.
• Remove the rubber bands after 45 minutes.
Week 8, Neck Fitting and Attachment, Thursday 3/5/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Fit the neck to the body.
• Assemble the neck to the body.
• Install side dots
• Install fret dots * Optional
• Create the fretboard radius
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 8 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Week 8 Wednesday 5:15 PM
In-Class Activities:
• Trim the edges of the neck flush with the edges of the fretboard.
• Locate and drill two 1/8 inch diameter holes through the neck and fretboard.
• Place the neck in the neck pocket and drill through the neck into the neck block.
• Enlarge the holes in the neck and countersink.
• Attach the neck using two 2” long drywall screws.
• The fretboard end may be cut off.
• Remove the neck and set aside.
• Install side dots.
• Install fret dots * Optional
• Create fretboard radius.
Spring Break, Thursday 3/12/2026
Campus closes at 5PM during spring break.
Campus is closed on Saturday 3/14/2025.
Week 9, Attaching the Bridge, Thursday 3/19/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Locate the bridge to the body.
• Attach the bridge to the body.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 9 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Prepare to locate and attach the bridge.
• Sand the backside of the bridge to conform to the radius of the top.
• Verify the string saddle fits into the bridge.
• Use the bridge locating template to establish the bridge position.
• Use a pencil to transfer the location of the two outer E strings to the guitar top.
• You will glue the bridge to the guitar top.
• Use the USGKIT bridge clamp to adhere the bridge to the body.
• Places scrap bits of wood on the ends of the bridge.
• Check if more clamping force is needed.
• If you have glued the bridge on well, the entire bridge will be adhered to the top with no glue squeeze-out.
• Allow the glue to dry 45 minutes and remove the bridge clamp.
Guitar Progress Check #3
Week 10, Gluing on the Back, Flushing the Edges and Shaping the Neck Rear Contour, Thursday 3/26/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Attach the back to the body.
• Flush the edges
• Shape the neck rear contour.
• Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the soundbox.
• Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the fretboard.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 10 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal.
In-Class Activities:
• Prepare to trim the back to slightly oversize.
• Remove the bracing pieces labeled “DO NOT GLUE”
• Glue the back to the rim using spool clamps.
• Rout all remaining back edges flush
• Scrape and sand the top and back flush to the sides.
• Round the edges of the top and back of the guitar.
• Shape the neck rear contour.
• Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the soundbox.
• Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the fretboard
Week 11, Frets, Thursday 4/2/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of string instrument scale length and how fret locations are
determined by calculation when given the scale length of the string instrument.
• Explain sound frequency and wavelength.
• Explain and demonstrate the frequency difference between the vibration of an open string and that same
string shortened to the 12 th fret.
• Explain guitar “scale length.”
• Define a plan of parallel operations for guitar fabrication.
• Prepare fretboard for fret install.
• Install frets.
• File fret ends.
• Level frets.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 11 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Preparing the fretboard.
• Install frets.
• File fret ends.
• Level frets.
• Apply two more coats of Tru-oil to the soundbox.
Week 12, Headstock, Thursday 4/9/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Calculate how much a string post has turned based on a knob-turn amount expressed as degrees or
fractional turns.
• Calculate the linear distance of a string movement the post diameter, gearing ratio, and number of knob turns.
• Create the headstock shape.
• Install the tuners.
• Install the string nut.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 12 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Sand a 17 degree angle from vertical in the end of the ebony headplate.
• Glue the headplate to the headstock.
• Create a peghead shape and locate the six tuner holes.
• Cut the headstock on the bandsaw.
• Install the tuners.
• Install the string nut.
• Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the soundbox.
• Apply two coats of Tru-oil to the neck only.
Acoustic Guitar Progress Check #4
Week 13, Final Assembly - I, Thursday 4/16/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Attach the neck.
• Fit the bridge saddle and pins
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 13 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal
In-Class Activities:
• Neck attachment overview.
• Attach the neck to the body.
• Verify that the fretboard extension is not pressing on the spruce top.
• Fit your bridge saddle.
• Fit the bridge pins.
Week 14, Final Assembly - II, Thursday 4/23/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Define acoustic strings
• Install the strings.
• Perform open tuning.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 14 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Finals Week Wednesday 5:15 PM
In-Class Activities:
• Install the strings.
• Perform open tuning.
Week 15, Guitar Setup, Thursday 4/30/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Adjust string height.
• Adjust truss rods.
• Perform open tuning.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 15 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Finals Week Wednesday 5:15 PM
In-Class Activities:
• Measure the bridge string height.
• Measure the first fret string height.
• Filing the nut slots.
• Verify the neck relief.
• Changing the neck shims if needed.
• Perform truss rod adjustment.
• Perform open tuning.
Acoustic Guitar Progress Check #5
Week 16, The Finishing Touches, Thursday 5/7/2026
Learning Objectives:
• Describe intonation basics.
• Perform final intonation.
Before-Class Activities:
• Reading and viewing assignment – Online
• Study Questions Homework – Online, Due Week 16 Wednesday 5:15 PM
• Update your Acoustic Guitar Build Journal, Due Finals Week Wednesday 5:15 PM
In-Class Activities:
• Perform intonation
Finals Week, Final Guitar Quality Evaluation, Thursday 5/14/2026
In-Class Activities:
• Exit survey
• Acoustic guitar quality evaluation
• Class photo
• Guitar jam
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|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.