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February 2024 by T Claw
Ken Bailey is a wizard. He has a calm, simple, linear progression for guitar building. We banged out a perfectly playable and sleek 000 style guitar in 5 days at John C Campbell Folk School.
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September 2023 by Adam Fusco
Amazing experience! Highly recommend if you want to learn how to make a one of a kind instrument!
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June 2023 by Matthew Page
I had a fantastic experience taking Ken's week long guitar building course. I built a D-18 style dreadnaught and not only was the finished guitar everything I was hoping for; I learned so much from Ken along the way which made the guitar even more special. Ken's teaching style is patience and practiced. I asked every question I could think of about guitar building and Ken was able to answer and guide me with ease. He is a true professional, and I recommend his classes to anyone looking to get their hands dirty and mind immersed in the art of instrument making.
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August 2019 by Robert Monroe
I recently completed classes at Ken’s shop in Black Mountain. Ken guided me through the build of an OM model with a cutaway. The learning experience was everything I hoped for and the finished guitar is just what I was looking for. It’s a beauty. Ken is an excellent instructor, both in knowledge and patience. He always gives a clear and concise explanation of his techniques. All told, a great learning experience that left me with useful knowledge and a beautiful instrument!
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August 2019 by Terry Page
I was recently part of a class of six students that took an acoustic guitar building class with Ken. Ken is a knowledgeable and patient instructor. He ensured that each of the us was successful in each part of the build and that we all left the class with a guitar we were proud of. I have very little woodworking experience, but with Ken's guidance and instruction I was able to build a top quality guitar. When I told people I had built a guitar I think they were thinking a cigar box and rubber bands like kids do. This is a legit guitar using high quality materials. Everyone that has seen it has been amazed that we were able to build this guitar in a week. It wouldn't have been possible without Ken's instruction. If you are interested in building your own I would definitely recommend getting in touch with Ken.
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August 2019 by Pam Kilday
I just finished taking a guitar building class with Ken instructing me and 5 others. He is a pro. He took the 6 of us from a box of wood and parts to a killer sounding guitar - in 5 days! Amazing, right. He provided the materials for the construction of a Martin D-18. He also provided all of the expertise to ensure we all left his class with a quality instrument. Each instrument was beautiful. He was incredibly patient and kind throughout the class. I loved the class. Thank you Ken for a wonderful experience. Pam
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August 2019 by simon jacobs
What a wonderful opportunity to realise a dream I have always had, to build my own acoustic guitar. The process is fascinating, and Ken really supports us through the challenging parts, which is a huge relief. If you have any interest in guitars then I can’t think of a better and more compelling way to take on a project like this. You end up with a unique hand built piece of art that you can play or give to one someone you love.
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August 2019 by Zach Kilmer
I took Ken’s guitar building class at the John C. Campbell folkschool in Brasstown, NC. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and patient. If you have ever wanted to build your own guitar I highly recommend building one with Ken. He provided many useful tools, tricks and experience. My D-18 model acoustic looks and sounds great! Thanks Ken!
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April 2019 by Lucien Tender
I built a D-18 style guitar and was so happy with it I went back and built a J-45 style guitar a couple of years later. Several of my friends have taken Ken’s class as well. I have been playing for over 20 years and have owned/do own a number high-end guitars. The guitars I built get most of the play time now. Ken has been building for years and guides you through the process. Anyone with even moderate skill can do it. If you have ever considered building your own guitar, you really owe it to yourself to check out this class.
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April 2019 by Cheri Hornsby
I was lucky enough to get a 2012 Bailey made for me based on a Norman Blake model. I love my guitar.
