Understanding top wood

​

One of the most important questions in guitar building is: How thin should this top be?

In this class, you will learn how to measure the material properties of a soundboard and understand what those measurements mean when selecting wood and determining final thickness.

Included with the class is my custom wood analysis spreadsheet, developed through years of acoustic research, testing, and guitar building. I will teach you how to gather the measurements, perform the calculations, and use the results to objectively compare and rate your own tops.

The system goes beyond simply evaluating wood quality. By accounting for the unique properties of each individual top, it can generate a target thickness that helps builders compensate for natural variations in the material and achieve more consistent results from instrument to instrument.

Whether your goal is maximum responsiveness, greater consistency, or a better understanding of how wood properties affect tone, this class provides a practical, measurement-based approach to soundboard design.

What’s Included

• Custom wood analysis spreadsheet

• Material property measurement methods

• Top evaluation and rating system

• Target thickness calculations

• One-on-one instruction and guidance

Cost: $400​

Acoustic Guitar Voicing & Measurement

 

In this class, you will learn the fundamental factors that shape the sound of an acoustic guitar—and how to measure them.

 

The acoustic guitar is an incredibly complex system, yet the principles behind great tone are surprisingly straightforward. This course focuses on understanding those fundamentals so builders can make informed decisions throughout the design and voicing process.

 

We will explore the primary vibrational modes of the acoustic guitar, learn how to identify and measure them, and discuss practical strategies for influencing those modes during construction. The goal is to give builders the tools to produce instruments that consistently achieve their intended tonal outcomes.

 

This class is rooted in scientific measurement and objective evaluation. My philosophy is simple: if it’s real, we should be able to measure it. Rather than relying on mystery or folklore, we focus on understanding the instrument through observation, testing, and repeatable results.

cost:  $400

email for more info

​

Private Mentorship with Sam Guidry

 

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in guitar building, repair, research, and teaching, these private mentorship sessions provide personalized guidance tailored to your individual goals.

 

Whether you’re developing new building techniques, refining your voicing process, solving structural challenges, evaluating materials, or seeking feedback on current projects, each session is customized to address your specific needs.

 

There is no fixed curriculum—our time is focused entirely on helping you make meaningful progress in the areas most important to you.

email for more info