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.
Courses
PART-TIME SESSIONS
Fall: Sept 6 – Dec 13, 2025
Winter: Jan 3 – Apr 18, 2026
Learn comprehensive techniques and skills to build one custom acoustic guitar to take home.
Schedule: 1 day/week for 15 weeks (150 total hours)
Tuition Cost: $3,600
Materials: $1,000 per instrument (includes case)
Hand Tool Kit: $350-400, list will be provided. Students will keep these tools.
FULL-TIME INTENSIVE
May 18 – July 24, 2026
An immersive, hands-on course offering skills and techniques but also the history and theory of luthiery.
Each student will build two custom guitars to take home.
Schedule: 10 weeks/5 days per week. M-F 8 am–5 pm. (500 total hours)
Tuition Cost: $9,500 (housing not included)
Materials: $1,000 per instrument (includes case)
Hand Tool Kit: $350-400, list will be provided. Students will keep these tools.
Both courses feature instruction on tool safety (both hand tools and power tools) and covering all facets of building a custom guitar from start to finish. Students will learn about tone wood selection and procurement, milling, routing, jig construction, sanding, finishing, and guitar setup. Classes will take place Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays as needed.
Guest lecturers will include several experts in the field of luthiery, covering topics such as custom guitar building, bowed instrument theory, guitar repair, and the selection and cutting of tonewoods.
