Hands-On Electric Guitar Building Workshop with Kalimar Maia
We are excited to highlight an upcoming Intro to Electric Guitar Building Workshop led by builder and instructor Kalimar Maia (@mar_mar_guitars) at Nova Labs in Fairfax, Virginia (@nova_labs).
Images courtesy of Kalimar Maia
This small-group, hands-on workshop is designed for anyone who has ever wanted to build a real, playable electric guitar from the ground up. Participants will not just assemble a kit. They will shape, finish, wire, and set up an instrument they can proudly take home.
About the Workshop
This is a two-session intensive workshop, focused on both craftsmanship and understanding how electric guitars work from the inside out. With class sizes limited to just 2–4 students, each participant receives personalized instruction throughout the build.
Images courtesy of Kalimar Maia
Using high-quality blank guitar kits with pre-routed bodies and finished necks, students are given the creative freedom to design and shape their own instrument while learning essential guitar-building fundamentals.
What You Will Learn
During the workshop, participants will:
- Shape the guitar body and headstock using band saws and hand tools
- Learn how guitar design choices affect tone, playability, and feel
- Perform complete fretwork, including leveling, crowning, dressing, and polishing
- Learn basic soldering for electronics assembly
- Apply stained finishes using low-VOC oil and hard wax finishes
- Understand guitar setup fundamentals for proper playability
This class goes beyond simple assembly. Students gain a foundational understanding of electric guitar construction that can be applied to future builds and modifications.
Guitar Styles Available
Participants can choose between:
TE-style guitars
ST-style guitars
Kalimar will help students select the best option based on their goals and preferences.
What’s Included
- Complete guitar kit
- All required tools and finishing materials during class
- Guided instruction across both sessions
Students will leave with a fully playable electric guitar, built by their own hands.
Class Details
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, April 7–8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day
Format:
- 3 hours of guided instruction
- Lunch break
- 3 hours of dedicated build and office hours
Location: Nova Labs (3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 - Google Maps)
Class size: 2–4 students
Experience required: None
About the Instructor
Kalimar Maia is a builder, educator, and maker who brings a thoughtful, process-driven approach to guitar building.
Kalimar’s work is not limited to the classroom or workshop environment. Guitars he builds are actively used by working musicians in live performance settings. His Horizon Electric has been used on stage by Dan, guitarist for the indie rock band Toledo.
Left to right: Kalimar, Horizon electric guitar and Dan from Toledo
Toledo is known for melodic, guitar-driven songs and energetic live performances, where tone and reliability matter. Seeing Kalimar’s work in a professional live setting reflects the same craftsmanship and attention to detail taught in his workshops.
Dan from Toledo performing live with the Horizon electric
His work emphasizes craftsmanship, hands-on learning, and helping students understand not just how to build, but why instruments are designed the way they are.
Images courtesy of Kalimar Maia
We are proud to support Kalimar’s workshop by providing blank kits and collaborating on educational content that highlights the guitar-building process.
Interested in Joining?
Spots are limited due to the small class size.
For enrollment details, pricing, and registration information, please email at info@marmarguitars.com or message Kalimar directly on Instagram (@mar_mar_guitars) and mention this workshop.
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