Saturday, September 24
10:45 -  11:45 AM – Creating the Vintage Vibe with Dave ReimeR OF REIMER GUITARS

Using classic mid century techniques to build electric instruments. Materials, design, pickups, finishes and more.

Saturday, September 24
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Modern Guitar Finishing with John Regehr and Robert BustOS OF VANCOUVER GUITAR FINISHING

The final stage in guitar production or restoration is critical to the tone, durability and playability of the instrument. With 50 years of combined experience the veteran Guitar Finishers at Larrivee, John Regehr and Robert Bustos provide world class finishes for world class luthiers.

Saturday, September 24
1:15 – 2:15 PM - Guitar Set-up 101 with Nicole Alosinac of NIcole alosinac luthiery

One of the most challenging aspects of working on a stringed instrument is the procedure known as the “setup.” The setup determines the instrument’s “playability” and can make all the difference between a player loving their guitar or being left frustrated by the instrument. With literally thousands of setups under her belt Nicole will explain the 6 steps of setting up a guitar that will help you understand what goes into creating a great set up. All levels and all questions are welcome. This event sold out at our last two festivals, so get your tickets now!

Saturday, September 24
2:30 – 3:30 PM - THE SELLABLE GUITAR  (From concept to satisfied customer) with Jamie GalE, CURATOR OF BOUTIQUE GUITAR SHOWCASE

Jamie Gale, the curator of the internationally renowned Boutique Guitar Showcase (BGS), discusses design, branding, pricing, retail partners and more. This session is a MUST for luthiers who are interested in marketing their instruments. Jamie travels the globe, showcasing the most innovative and artistically impressive instruments you’ve ever seen – none of which have been available in Vancouver before.

Saturday, September 24
3:45 – 4:45 PM - Introduction to acoustic guitar building with Bernard Funston of Funston Guitars

Using classic mid century techniques to build Acoustic instruments. Materials, design, pickups, finishes and more.

Sunday, September 25
10:45 -  11:45 AM – Torrefaction Talk with Industry Expert Bob Lennon of ThermalWood Canada – Sponsored by Wood to Works

Bob Lennon, one of Canada’s leading torrefaction experts, gives you the inside scoop on the new torrefaction trend that is taking the instrument building world by storm.

There has been plenty of recent talk and even more debate regarding torrefied (also known as roasted) woods. What does it mean? What does it do to the wood? How does it change the sound? Workability? So many questions!!! Well now Bob Lennon will give you all the answers. We’ll discuss the process, how it changes the wood, different applications of torrefied tonewoods, environmental sustainability, and more. –  Sponsored by Wood to Works, a BC based company which supplies luthiers around the world with high quality woods, tools, and parts.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
12:00 – 1:00 PM - Guitar Set-up 101 with Nicole AlosinaC OF NICOLE ALOSINAC LUTHIERY

One of the most challenging aspects of working on a stringed instrument is the procedure known as the “setup.” The setup determines the instrument’s “playability” and can make all the difference between a player loving their guitar or being left frustrated by the instrument. With literally thousands of setups under her belt Nicole will explain the 6 steps of setting up a guitar that will help you understand what goes into creating a great set up. All levels and all questions are welcome. This event sold out at our last two festivals, so get your tickets now!

Sunday, September 25
1:15 – 2:15 PM – Building your boutique guitar brand: A survivors guide to the hidden challenges and essential ingredients of success with Matt Eich of Mule Resophonic

“It’s not just fun and games here at Mule HQ. I mean… it’s a lot of that. 

But it’s a complex operation with lots of logistics and not much margin for error. It’s really hard. The rollercoaster meme of business ownership “this is the most fun thing ever… holy shit the coaster is on fire and we are all going to burn to death and then drown in the pond” is true. But 700 guitars later, we’re still inspired and more dedicated  than ever.”

Presented by Matt Eich, founder and PTSD survivor of Mule Resophonic

Sunday, September 25
2:30 – 3:30 PM – Tone Woods and Bracing: The art and science of voicing a guitar  with Sergei De Jonge, Master LuthiER OF DE JONGE GUITARS

Tone wood and top bracing transmit the forces exerted by guitar strings from the bridge to the rim of the guitar. The “voice” of a guitar is the result of choices made by the builder, such as which wood to use, which bracing pattern to use, how to carve braces for strength and flexibility and much more. Sergei, a world renowned luthier with over 40 years of experience, will explain the fundamentals. If you are a new or intermediate builder you won’t want to miss this important master class.