Can you make a living as a luthier?

They carve, assemble, stain and string the instruments, and some even sell them in their own musical instrument stores. Luthiers are paid according to the number of instruments they create for clients. They earn incomes averaging more than $50,000 annually.

How hard is it to become a luthier?

There is no one way to become a luthier, though a love for music and instruments is a huge part of what drives the most successful luthiers. It takes patience and problem solving skills to be able to work with specific materials in order for luthiers to be able to either create and/or fix instruments.

How do I become a successful luthier?

Some skills that lend well to this career path include:

1. Knowledge and experience in guitar design and repair.
2. Experience with woodworking and finishing.
3. Excellent acoustic listening skills.
4. Good interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Knowledge of how to run a business.

Can you make a living making guitars?

There are indeed ways to earn money building guitars but it takes many years to get to the point where you can actually make money doing it. I built and sold my first guitar in 1978 and kept on until 2007 until my warehouse and shop burned to the ground.

Is a luthier a good job?

Many luthiers that are self-employed get paid for each guitar they create. On average, luthiers make about $46,500 per year to build beautiful, incredible sounding guitars. Making a living as a luthier is rewarding. Creating stringed instruments that can be plucked or strummed is a fun process.

How much do luthiers make?

The average salary for a luthier in the United States is around $30,718 per year.

How much do luthiers charge?

A luthier will generally charge between $50 and $90 per hour for their labor. Most luthiers have a fixed rate for most common repairs and setups. For instance, a set up might cost $65 whether it takes 15 minutes or an hour. A refret will typically cost $200 whether it takes two hours or five.

How much is a fret job?

Refretting usually costs between $200 and $400, and it is worth it if you plan on playing that guitar. Especially if it is a more expensive one. Refretting cheaper guitars might not be a good idea since the whole procedure can cost more than you paid for the instrument.