Instrument making
Building guitars, violins and ukuleles by hand, from shaping wood to stringing.
Instrument making
- To start
- $200
- Each month
- $40
- Time
- 5 hours a week
- Sessions
- 2 hours or more
- Where
- At home
- Who with
- On your own
Is it for you?
- There's always more to learn.
- It rewards care and fine detail.
- It's hands-on from start to finish.
- It's yours alone, no one to coordinate with.
You’ll like it if
- You want to build something of your own
- You want to make things
- You want to get really good at something
Maybe not if
- You want to spend very little to start
- You want to enjoy it from day one
- You only have short gaps in your day
Heads upSharp blades or open flame
What it feels like
Instrument makingAverage maker & Engineering hobbyCalm
Company
Physical effort
Creative freedom
Brainwork
Hands-on
Outdoors
Quick wins
$200Costs more to start than 89% of hobbies
$40Over a year, more than the kit
$680About $3 an hour at 5 hours a week
Before you buy
Borrow from a friend or buy second-hand first. Upgrade once you know you will keep going.
Your first session
Unbox a ukulele kit, sand the body and neck smooth, then glue the neck in place and clamp it square to set overnight.
2 hours or moreAt homeFairly easy to start
Questions
How much does instrument making cost to start?
About $200 if you rent or borrow where people usually do, then about $40 a month once you are going.
How much time does instrument making take?
About 5 hours a week to enjoy it and get better, in sessions of 2 hours or more.
Can I do instrument making at home?
Yes. Needs a spare room or a dedicated area.
Is instrument making good for beginners?
It takes a bit more setting up than most hobbies. A good first session: Unbox a ukulele kit, sand the body and neck smooth, then glue the neck in place and clamp it square to set overnight.
Do I need other people for instrument making?
No. It works fine on your own.