What we offer:
Lobelia School of Luthiery offers comprehensive, hands-on, intimate instruction providing in-depth knowledge and understanding of the skilled trade of guitar construction.
Students will explore the theory, origin, science, and time-proven methods involved in acoustic guitar construction, laying a solid foundation for all forms of luthiery. This education serves as a stepping stone for aspiring guitar makers looking to branch out into the construction of other stringed instruments.
At the end of each course, each student will take home one to two beautifully crafted guitars, enhancing their skills as a guitar maker.
Location
Lobelia School of Luthiery, located in Lewisburg, WV, is situated in the heart of Appalachia. This small town is surrounded by deep beauty and national forests in the Greenbrier Valley, making it an ideal location for aspiring guitar makers.
Who we are:
Instructor and founder, Luke Bair, has been a dedicated guitar maker, building acoustic stringed instruments since 1995.
After graduating from the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix, AZ, Luke honed his skills in instrument repair and became the first employee at Huss and Dalton Guitar Company in Staunton, VA. There, he designed some of the custom guitar inlay designs that are still in use today. Luke also co-owned Mills-Lucas Guitar Company in Greenville, WV, and is one of the co-founders of Appalachian Tonewood in Lewisburg, WV, which sources high-end, domestic tonewoods for guitar building across the country, serving prominent manufacturers including Gibson Guitars in Bozeman, MT. In 2022, Luke established JL Bair Guitars, focusing on selling custom guitars to musicians and collectors.
Lobelia School of Luthiery launched in 2023.
With a passion for creating high-end acoustic stringed instruments, Luke is also a gifted teacher. The Lobelia School of Lutherie represents a dream that has been 20 years in the making.
Luke brings decades of experience, craftsmanship, and industry knowledge to each student he mentors.