What kind of Qualifications do i need to work in a guitar shop?
Ad4m Mu7phy asked:
Leaving school soon, I’m probably going to have about 6 C’s. I’ve sent off an application form for the college I want to go to to study electronic engineering (I want to repair guitars and amps and things). But while I’m going to college it would be good to have some experience of working in a guitar shop, so what kind of qualifications would I need?
I’ve played guitar for 5 years.
Leaving school soon, I’m probably going to have about 6 C’s. I’ve sent off an application form for the college I want to go to to study electronic engineering (I want to repair guitars and amps and things). But while I’m going to college it would be good to have some experience of working in a guitar shop, so what kind of qualifications would I need?
I’ve played guitar for 5 years.
Unkempt appearance, unhealthy interest in guitar scales, little social life, poor personal hygiene.
You dont really need any qualifications really, you just need to know a thing or two about guitars.
none i wouldnt think just need a very good knowledge of guitars
I’d say something in Music at least.
Basic English and Maths skills wouldn’t go a miss, just because they are pretty much the basic things an employer looks for. It is more down to knowledge and experience in dealing with guitars. Most guitar shops will expect to you know about the intricate functions and features of most guitars, and have the ability to communicate well with customers. Also the ability to sell up, always advise the customer to spend that extra for better quality, promote selling and selling up, for example, recommending the customer buy a Fender instead of a Squire. Things like that really.
Hope this helps!
1. speak clearly
2. show up on time
3. dress neatly
4. be handy with tools so you don’t scratch up a guitar with a screwdriver.
5. know how to solder. build some kits from radio shack.
6. know about guitars. read one of those guitar maintenance books.
Congrats for having a plan!
Repairing guitars (other than the electronics) and amp repair are actually 2 different career paths.
If you want to repair guitars, (such as wood repair, refrets, etc), there are some specialized schools that teach this. However, for the most part, that industry is still an apprentice-based one. In other words, you’ll have to find a luthier that’s willing to take you on and train you. You’ll start out sweeping the shop and making coffee. But, if you stick it out and show that you really want to learn the trade, then they start showing you the ropes. So much of that kind of work is artistic, especially when it comes to refinish and restoration work.
Unfortunately, it can take years to get to where you’re making any money. Kind of like being in a band, but without as many groupies!
Electronics work is a somewhat more defined career path, plus you can take that kind of knowledge into different industries. I happen to be a guitar player with a background in broadcast and audio engineering. I used to live in Killeen, TX which is a big military town. A lot of bands would come through there and play, but there were no major music stores in town that did repair. A lot of club owners knew me from the radio stations I worked at, and started calling me when a band rolled in with broken gear.
That was over 25 years ago, and I’m still doing that kind of work here on the side in the Austin area. Now, there are guys here that specialize in restoration and/or modificaton of just Fenders or just Marshalls. I really don’t specialize, and I one of the few that will work on the new digital modeling amps. I’ve probably repaired almost 50 Line 6 amps in the last couple of years.
For that type of electronics work, you would actually be over qualified with a 4 year degree. And not meaning to bust your chops, with a C grade average, I don’t know if engineering is your call.
I’d actually recommend a 2 year degree program in electronics, either communication, audio (if it’s offered), or computer electronics. You should wind up with an Associates in Applied Science. From there, it’s just getting hired on. You might not be able to start out working on musical gear…but you should be able to work to that point.
Finally, there is some overlap between the two fields. A lot of guys here in Austin that do really really good setup and fretwork on guitars don’t have a clue on the electronics. When someone wants pickups changed out, additional switching added, or a complete electronics overhaul they usually subcontract it out to guys like me. I’m working on a Parker Fly tonight that the owner wants the active electronics removed and the guitar converted to totally passive.
I like working on guitar electronics…I do my own setups and the fret work on everything but my older guitars. But finish work…I can’t do it. Tried a couple of times, made a huge mess, and figured I’m not artistic enough for that kind of work!
As far as playing guitar, you need to know how to tune it and play a few chords. That’s it. The best setup guy in Austin will tell you he knows 4 chords and a half dozen songs, and that’s it. It’s good you play, but that’s not where your focus should be.
It’s not quick…you’re looking at probably a 10 year plan to get established and get your name out there regardless of which path you go down. And you’re never going to get rich. But doing what you love counts for a lot.
My dad once told me that if you make a million dollars a year and you’re unhappy, then you’re underpaid.
Good luck to you and let us know how it all turns out for you.
Greetings from Austin, TX
Ken