Merton collee guitar making course

[georgeguitars]

Has anyone done the 2 year merton college guitar making course?? thinking of going just wanted some imputs?

[imported_jammy]

I've heard good things about the Merton course from a few folks, but I've not met anyone who's been on it.
I did a fastrack HNC and then HND in two years at MANCAT in Manchester

[WYNIR0]

ooh, thats a stones throw from me.

[georgeguitars]

Originally Posted by imported_jammy

I've heard good things about the Merton course from a few folks, but I've not met anyone who's been on it.
I did a fastrack HNC and then HND in two years at MANCAT in Manchester

did you find the manchester course good enough to make a career out of it?

[TTony]

Originally Posted by georgeguitars

did you find the manchester course good enough to make a career out of it?

Guitar-making as a career is a toughie, and requires a lot - lot - more than taking and passing some college courses / degrees. If you're seriously thinking about it as a career there are people here who can probably give you some very useful advice ...

[frankus]

I got a book by Richard Riley the other day (about making and repairing guitars) but as an aside it mentions session playing - he recommends setting aside 7 years - where you play with people and bands for pittance if anything before you'll start making a career from it.

I reckon guitar making would be the same. I know loads of people who make or repair guitars but not one (including the violin maker) who does it as a full time career.

[imported_jammy]

Originally Posted by georgeguitars

did you find the manchester course good enough to make a career out of it?

I'm having a go! I'm now set up at home and have recieved a "Business kick-start" grant from my local council, as well as funding from the Prince's trust.
I'm in a great position to have a go at it though, being young and with so little commitments. I'm sure it's a far harder career to change in to later in life when you've bills to pay etc...

[Robbobob]

Originally Posted by imported_jammy

I did a fastrack HNC and then HND in two years at MANCAT in Manchester

What was the course name at MANCAT?

[andrewrg]

Originally Posted by TTony

Guitar-making as a career is a toughie, and requires a lot - lot - more than taking and passing some college courses / degrees. If you're seriously thinking about it as a career there are people here who can probably give you some very useful advice ...

Knowing a few luthiers the best advice most of them would give is if you want to avoid a fast track to bankruptcy, depression and insomnia don't even think about building guitars for a living!
You need a big financial investment in equipment, premises which need paying for in terms of rates and utilities, an advertising budget, decent and innovative designs which strike a balance of acceptability and a family who don't mind starving while you wait for the orders.
There's also a down side...

[imported_jammy]

Originally Posted by Robbobob

What was the course name at MANCAT?

Musical instrument technology.

andrewg - Fortunately at the moment I've ticked most of the boxes!