Ervin Somogyi Voicing the Guitar

2012 has been a busy year at Lichty Guitars, especially on the teaching front. In the midst of a very heavy build schedule Jay has taught three one on one workshops, each lasting approx 12 days, and he has conducted two small group workshops. Teaching guitar building is one of the things Jay loves to do best. It is hard to describe the joy and satisfaction in seeing students head home after the workshop with a guitar in hand that they have crafted.

An important facet of the craft of being a luthier comes in the generous exchange of knowledge between builders. While Jay loves to teach, he also strives to continually learn new things. His recent trip to Oakland California is a perfect example. Jay is just back from a week-long workshop with internationally renowned master luthier Ervin Somogyi.

The topic: The Principles and Practice of Voicing the Guitar.

While Jay (like many luthiers out there) has copies of Ervin’s books which he looks to often, our first face-to-face experience of Ervin’s work was at the 2011 Healdsburg Guitar Festival. Here are two examples of guitars that were on display at Healdsburg. His craftsmanship, attention to detail and design savvy are just a few of the reasons his guitars demand top dollar. A custom Ervin Somogyi guitar currently starts at $30,000.

When Jay learned that Ervin teaches a class once or twice a year that specifically focuses on the intricacies of voicing a guitar it looked like a great fit. He attended the workshop The Principles and Practice of Voicing the Guitar in November of 2012 with 6 other participants from around the world.

Just back from a week-long guitar voicing class with Ervin Somogyi and I have to say I am stoked. I now have a whole new set of knowledge and the mental tools to bring my guitars and ukuleles to the next level… and beyond. – Jay Lichty