Chicago School of Guitar Making

Chicago has a rich tradition in guitar making – it used to be the Guitar Making Capital of the World! But with the growing inclination of big US companies manufacturing their instruments outside the US using CNC machines instead of traditional building techniques, and nearly all electronics vocational programs being withdrawn from our schools, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for the budding student interested in the tradition of guitar building and repair.

At CSGM, we teach students how to repair, design and build guitars, basses, mandolins, ukuleles and virtually every other stringed instrument under the sun. We also teach tube amp building and repair, and effect pedal building.

Our school is located at Specimen Products, about 4 miles west of downtown Chicago in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The workshop, located within a large, century old, industrial building, is equipped with a woodshop, metal shop, finishing room, gallery, and service and classroom facilities.

Feel free to call with any questions or arrange a tour: 773.489.4830