Acoustic Guitar Theory & Design Workshops
Embark on a journey into the art of acoustic guitar design with Giuliano Nicoletti.
Each Iulius Session is more than a workshop—it’s a hands-on experience where craftsmanship, creativity, and community come together. Hosted internationally in collaboration with renowned ateliers, academies, and tonewood suppliers, these sessions welcome aspiring luthiers, passionate builders, and musicians eager to deepen their understanding of the acoustic guitar.
With years of experience pushing the boundaries of guitar design, I share not only proven techniques but also a deep passion for music and meaningful connection. In these intimate settings, you’ll receive personalized guidance, open dialogue, and the chance to be part of a growing network of makers and thinkers.
Whether you’re refining your skills or discovering new ones, each session is designed to inspire and elevate your journey in lutherie.
Our Workshop Curriculum: What You'll Master
Our workshop programs are meticulously structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Depending on the specific workshop theme and duration, topics covered may include:
- The Soul of Sound: Understanding Guitar Acoustics
- Deep dive into the principles of acoustic sound production.
- Exploring the vibrational behavior of guitar components.
- Understanding how design choices impact tonal characteristics – volume, sustain, harmonics, and projection.
- Tonewoodology: Selecting and Preparing Materials
- Guidance on identifying, selecting, and evaluating premium tonewoods (e.g., Spruce, Cedar, Mahogany, Rosewood, Ebony).
- Understanding the acoustic properties of different wood species and their application.
- The Art of Voicing: Optimizing Acoustic Response
- Learn the critical process of voicing the soundboard and back to achieve desired tonal outcomes.
- Techniques for tap tuning and adjusting bracing to control stiffness and resonance.
- Innovative Approaches & Modern Lutherie
- Exploring modern research, tools (like FEM analysis, if you discuss it), and innovative design features.
- Understanding how to balance tradition with contemporary advancements in guitar making.
Prestigious International Venues & Collaborations
To provide an unparalleled learning experience, Iulius Guitars workshops are hosted at the facilities of some of the world’s most respected luthiers, luthier academies, and tonewood suppliers. This collaborative approach ensures you learn in inspiring, professional environments equipped with top-tier tools and resources.
I am proud to have held workshops at locations including:
- Greenfield Guitars Atelier, Canada (with Michael Greenfield)
- Tom Sands Guitars Atelier, UK (with Tom Sands)
- Guitares Pellerin atelier, Canada (with Michel Pellerin)
- Maderas Barber Tonewood Suppliers, Spain
- Le bois de Lutherie Tonewood supplier, France
- Academie Echo d’artistes, France
- And various esteemed Luthiers Academies globally.
Each venue offers its unique atmosphere and perspective, enriching your overall learning experience and allowing you to connect with diverse aspects of the global lutherie community.
Who Should Attend These Workshops?
My luthier workshops cater to a range of individuals, including:
- Aspiring Luthiers: Those looking to gain foundational knowledge and practical skills to begin their journey in guitar making.
- Experienced Guitar Builders: Craftsmen seeking to refine their techniques, learn new innovative approaches, or deepen their understanding of acoustic science.
- Passionate Guitarists & Musicians: Players who desire a deeper connection with their instrument by understanding its construction and acoustic properties.
Your Hands-On Toolkit
When you join a Iulius Guitars workshop, you’re not just attending a class, you’re stepping into a hands-on experience designed to transform your craft.
This isn’t theory for theory’s sake. After years of teaching, webinars, and conferences, I’ve distilled complex knowledge into immediate, practical application. You’ll leave with the tools, understanding, and confidence to build truly better instruments.
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
– a comprehensive Handbook: Over 160+ slides of meticulously crafted content – your ultimate reference for mastering acoustic guitar design.
– precision measurement hammer, an essential tool you’ll use to perform frequency response measurements.
– a custom pendrive packed with original software, spreadsheets, and simulation tools to bring intentional design to your bench.
Are you considering hosting a session?
Are you a luthier, a tonewood supplier or a company with a passion for sharing knowledge and craftsmanship? I’m always looking to collaborate with fellow artisans and bring the Iulius Guitars workshop experience to new locations. If you’d like to host a workshop in your space, I’d love to hear from you!
Let’s connect and create something inspiring together — get in touch here.
Voices from the workshop
Hosting Giuliano Nicoletti’s workshop at Maderas Barber was a fantastic experience. His book is an essential tool for understanding the acoustic behavior of the guitar, but everything is elevated in his classes: the interaction with participants and the sharing of his research create a rich space for exchange between luthiers and community members. It was a deeply rewarding moment of shared learning and craft. We look forward to welcoming him back to our company.
Lucas Larrazabal, Maderas Barber
It was a joy hosting and participating in Giuliano’s Acoustics workshop. A group of curious, passionate people there to learn more about acoustic and mechanical measurements and using the data to achieve repeatable, consistent results.
Michael Greenfield
Dear Giuliano,
I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the course you led at my workshop in June 2025. It was a pleasure to host you, and I was truly impressed by your teaching and communication skills.
Your fantastic book provided an excellent foundation for the course, I really enjoyed delving deeper into the subject. The blend of lectures and hands-on workshop learning was incredibly effective. All six attendees had the opportunity to apply their new knowledge to various instruments, and your expert guidance and willingness to answer all our questions was invaluable.
I am hopeful that we can run the course here in Ripon again in the future. I can’t wait to get measuring!
Cheers!
Tom Sands
Upcoming Workshops 2026
at The Guitar Specialist
June, 27-28 2026, in the unique workshop of Doug and Sharon Proper, a special place, serving perfectly the east coast and part of Canada. Do not hesitate to get in touch quickly to reserve your spot!
at Michel Pellerin
September, 11-12 2026, in the beautiful, inspiring atelier of Michel Pellerin in Thetford Mines, Quebec, Canada. Do not hesitate to get in touch quickly to reserve your spot!
at Tom Sands
October, 10-11 2026, in the new workshop of the one and only Tom Sands, in the lovely Ripon, UK. It will serve all the european interested builders and acoustic guitar geeks. It seems far away in the calendar, but it will come quick, reserve your spot!
at Jason Kostal
December, 3-4 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Join us for a unique workshop in the inspirational studio of master luthier Jason Kostal. Spaces are limited—reserve your spot now.
