Guitar Building Workshops: Fairfax Recap, Baltimore Next
Last weekend, Kalimar Maia ran a two-day hands-on guitar building workshop at Nova Labs in Fairfax, VA. Builders walked out with guitars they built themselves. The program works, and we are doing more of it.
April in Fairfax: Two Days at the Bench
Two days at Nova Labs, April 11-12, with Kalimar Maia. Hands-on shaping, wiring, finishing, and setup. Builders ranged from first-time woodworkers to people with years on the bench. Everyone left with a playable electric guitar.
Images courtesy of Kalimar Maia and his students.
About the Instructor: Kalimar Maia
Kalimar Maia led both days of the workshop at Nova Labs. For the backstory on how this program started and why we partnered with him, see the original Fairfax workshop announcement.
What a Builder Said About the Weekend
"Kalimar's skillful expertise and patient guidance made for a most positive experience for me as a woodworking newbie. I've had the desire to build guitars for ages but never actually got around to it. The success of this weekend kit guitar course is just the push I needed to be on my way towards many more builds."
Huge thanks to Kalimar and the Nova Labs team for making it happen. The good news: Kalimar is already planning the next one. If you want to start on your own build in the meantime, browse our in-stock guitar kits.
What's Next: Three Ways to Get Involved
01. Happening Very Soon: Baltimore, MD. Starts May 12.
Four Tuesday sessions, 6:00 to 10:00 PM, at Baltimore Node Hackerspace. Instructors: Ohad Barbibay (Barbibay Guitars and Pickups) and Matt Rector (Rector Guitars and Ukuleles). Two working luthiers running the class together.
Seats are limited and the first date is close. If you want in, leave a comment on the thread and the instructors will reach out.
Fairfax Returns Later in 2026
Another Fairfax workshop with Kalimar is planned for later this year. Dates to be announced. If you want the first heads-up, drop a comment on the Fairfax thread with your skill level and what you want to build. Kalimar will reach out when dates are set.
Europe and Australia: Tell Us Where to Go Next
We are planning new workshops in Europe and Australia. If we get enough interest in your area, we will organize one there too. This is the fastest way to shape where the next build your own guitar sessions happen.
Comment on the Guitar Building Workshops thread with your city. Every reply helps us decide where to go next.
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