Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Guitar Building Academy?
The Guitar Building Academy is Europe’s largest online guitar building school. Led by Master Luthier Ben Crowe, we provide step-by-step video lessons, one-to-one coaching, live Q&A sessions, and a supportive community to help you build, repair, and set up guitars from scratch. Our online courses follow the same curriculum as Crimson Guitars’ in-person school and are taught by the same instructors.
2. Who are the instructors?
Ben Crowe – Founder of Crimson Guitars with over 20 years of experience.
Seán O’Mathúna – Passionate luthier with experience building custom guitars since 2010.
Matt Dennison – Professional guitar builder and member of the Crimson Custom shop.
Sam Faloon – Vintage guitar enthusiast and skilled builder running the Crimson Custom shop.
3. How often do you upload new courses?
The following courses have this launch schedule:
If you’d like to suggest future courses, join the community, where we often post polls about upcoming lessons.
4. How are the lessons delivered?
All lessons are delivered as high-quality video tutorials, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Additional written material and knowledge quizzes are provided to help you reinforce your learning.
5. What subscription plans do you offer?
- Basic (£14.99/mo) – Access all videos, community, newsletter, monthly prize draws.
- Luthier (£24.99/mo) – Everything in Basic, plus weekly livestreams, community support, and 1 five-minute video submission per calendar month (feedback delivered within 2 weeks).
- Master Luthier (£54.99/mo) – Everything in Luthier, plus VIP community access and 1 twenty-minute one-to-one coaching call per calendar month via Teams/Zoom.
6. Do I have to subscribe? Can I buy the course outright?
7. How do I take advantage of the 5-minute video submissions?
Students on the Luthier or Master Luthier plans can submit short videos of their work once per calendar month for expert feedback. Upload your video via the student portal, and our instructors will review it and provide concise guidance within 2 weeks. Perfect for troubleshooting, checking setups, or confirming techniques.
8. How do I schedule the 20-minute one-to-one coaching call?
Master Luthier members receive one 20-minute coaching call per calendar month. You’ll be emailed available time slots within one week of signing up to organize your first call. The call takes place via Teams or Zoom. Subsequent monthly calls will be scheduled at the end of each session.
9. Can I get personal feedback on my builds?
Yes! In addition to 5-minute submissions and one-to-one calls, Master Luthier members can receive guidance throughout the month via the VIP community and instructor check-ins.
10. Do I need any prior experience?
No prior experience is required. Our courses are designed for beginners through advanced students. Lessons are step-by-step, with guidance on every stage of the guitar building process.
11. What tools and materials do I need?
12. How long do I have access to the courses?
• Subscription: Access continues as long as your plan is active. You can revisit lessons anytime.
• One-time purchase: Lifetime access to the purchased course.
13. Is there a community I can join?
Yes! Every student gains access to our active community where you can:
• Share progress and tips
• Ask questions and get support
• Join monthly challenges and prize draws
• Interact with instructors and fellow luthiers
14. Will I get a certificate?
Yes! On completing a course, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement to acknowledge your skills and progress.
15. How do I start?
1. Sign up here
2. Choose your subscription plan or one-time purchase
3. Start learning instantly with access to videos, community, and support
Useful Information
