Instrument maker Nick Carpenter is expanding the range of workshops offered through his business, Wildwood Instruments, with the introduction of a new Banjo Making Course.
Operating from his workshop in the Mount Franklin foothills near Daylesford, Nick has built a reputation for teaching aspiring makers the fundamentals of luthiery through practical, hands-on classes. His existing workshops include popular courses in electric guitar and cigar box guitar construction.
The newly launched banjo workshop is the only course of its type available in Australia. During the one-day program, participants will assemble and finish their own banjo using a kit supplied as part of the course.
Throughout the day, Nick guides students through each stage of the process, from assembly and setup to the final adjustments needed to create a playable instrument. The workshop offers an introduction to the skills and techniques involved in traditional instrument making.
At the conclusion of the course, participants take home a completed banjo that they have built themselves.
The course is open to anyone aged 16 and over, with no previous experience in woodworking or instrument construction required. To maintain a personalised learning environment, attendance is capped at four students per session.
The first Banjo Making Course will be held on 18 July, with additional workshops scheduled every two months. The cost is $499 per person.
Further details and bookings can be found at wildwoodinstruments.com.au
