Job Description

Guitar Luthier

Our Guitar Luthiers are critical to West Music's success by working with customers, schools, and incoming stock merchandise to provide repair, setup, and refurbishment services for acoustic, electric, and classical guitars. The Guitar Luthier uses their specialized skill set to help West Music meet our mission of Play Now, Play for Life.

Working in a retail location and collaborating with Educational Consultants, our luthiers enjoy a steady flow of challenging and rewarding work.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide repair and refurbish services for guitars, including acoustic, electric, and classical models.
• Work directly with customers in person and over the phone to provide expertise, guidance, estimates, and follow-up on repairs.
• Assist retail sales associates with product knowledge and customer support during the selling process.
• Perform guitar setups, maintenance, fretwork, neck adjustments, nut and saddle creation, electronics diagnostics, pickup installations, and other repair tasks to ensure optimal instrument performance.
• Oversee quality control, setup, and sound adjustments of new guitars.
• Maintain and service higher end guitars designated for retail sale.
• Provide feedback or recommendations to the Store Manager regarding guitar inventory purchases.
• Provide insurance or market-value appraisals for customer guitars.
• Maintain budget and supply inventory for the workshop.
• Assist with unpacking, repacking, labeling, and handling of guitar merchandise.
• Support inventory control processes.
• Participate in school displays or open houses to provide measurements, demonstrations, and information about West Music's rental or lease programs (when guitars or fretted instruments are included).
• Demonstrate and reflect the values of West Music and show passion for our mission, vision, and core values.

Education, experience, and qualifications:

Required qualifications:

• Completion of a recognized guitar making or repair program, such as those offered by accredited or formally structured lutherie schools.
• Hands on training in acoustic and electric guitar construction, setup, and repair, gained through formal schooling, certified workshops, or structured instruction from professional luthiers.
• Demonstrated proficiency in core skills such as fretwork, setups, nut and saddle work, electronics diagnostics, and structural guitar repairs.
• Effective communication skills demonstrating active listening, critical thinking, and a customer focused tone.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization and follow-up abilities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office programs.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Desired qualifications:

• Certificate from an accredited guitar making school.
• Completion of a multi-month or fulltime certificate program at institutions such as the Northampton Community College Martin Guitar Foundation Luthier Lab.
• Prior completion of short courses, workshops, or modular training at respected luthier schools.
• Apprenticeship or on the job training under an experienced guitar luthier.
• Ability to confidently play guitar for testing and evaluating completed repairs or setups.
• Performance or studio experience is a plus.
• Portfolio of previous builds or repair projects.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities. Employees are frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands for fine motor tasks involving tools and components. Reaching with hands and arms is regularly required. Employees may occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific visual abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

West Music is an equal opportunity; equal access employer committed to a diverse workforce. The above description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities or qualifications.

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