Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Premier Guitar Making School in Chicago
Founded in 2005, the Specimen Products (CSGM) was established to preserve and advance the traditional craft of lutherie in an era where mass production has diminished hands-on guitar-making education. Located in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, CSGM offers immersive, hands-on courses in guitar repair, building, and tube amp construction, taught by professional luthier Ian Schneller and experienced instructors. Our curriculum caters to students of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring professionals, with flexible scheduling options including weekend seminars, evening classes, and extended immersion programs. Over 2,000 students have graduated from CSGM, many launching careers as luthiers, guitar technicians, and amplifier builders. The school operates within Specimen Products' fully equipped workshop, providing access to specialized tools and materials.CSGM emphasizes minimalistic design principles, structural integrity, and sonic excellence, reflecting founder Ian Schneller's background as a sculptor and audio innovator. Our alumni have established successful businesses nationwide, and our programs have been featured in major publications. With a focus on practical skill development, CSGM combines technical expertise with artistic creativity, ensuring students gain both the knowledge and confidence to excel in the field. The school continues to expand its offerings while maintaining its commitment to traditional craftsmanship in Chicago, the historic Guitar Making Capital of the World.
Services
Guitar Making Courses
Amp Repair Workshops
Horn Speaker Design
Custom Guitar Building
Audio Electronics Training
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer hands-on instruction from experienced luthiers in Chicago's Humboldt Park workshop
- Courses designed for flexible schedules with weekend, evening, and immersion options
- Located in Chicago, the historic Guitar Making Capital of the World
- Founded in 2005 with a proven track record training over 2,000 successful graduates
- Access to professional-grade workshop facilities with specialized tools and materials
What people say
Incredibly helpful
Changed my life
Exceeded expectations
Outstanding program
Authenticity and passion
Services
Guitar Making Courses
Our comprehensive guitar making courses teach traditional lutherie techniques in a professional workshop environment. Students learn wood selection, body shaping, neck construction, and finishing processes while building custom instruments. The curriculum combines technical precision with artistic creativity, preparing students for careers in guitar craftsmanship.
Tube Amp Building
Hands-on tube amp building programs cover circuit design, component selection, and assembly techniques for guitar amplifiers. Students construct professional-grade amplifiers using vintage-inspired designs while learning about vacuum tube technology and audio signal processing in a fully equipped electronics lab.
Guitar Repair Workshops
Practical guitar repair training focuses on setup techniques, fretwork, electronics installation, and structural repairs. Participants gain experience working on both vintage and modern instruments while learning diagnostic methods and precision repair techniques essential for professional guitar technicians.
Horn Speaker Design
Specialized courses in horn speaker construction teach acoustic principles and cabinet design for high-fidelity audio systems. Students build functional horn speakers while exploring material selection, waveguide theory, and integration with tube amplification systems for optimal sound reproduction.
Custom Electronics
Advanced electronics courses cover guitar pedal design, amplifier modification, and high-fidelity audio equipment construction. Students learn component-level troubleshooting, signal path optimization, and safety protocols while working on real-world projects in a professional electronics workshop.
People
Ian Schneller
Founder & Instructor
Ian Schneller founded Specimen Products in 1981 and established the Specimen Products in 2005. With a background in sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he has built over 800 custom instruments and amplifiers. His innovative designs have been exhibited in major museums and used by touring musicians worldwide.
Questions
What types of courses do you offer?
We offer guitar making, repair, and tube amp building courses with flexible scheduling options including weekend seminars, evening classes, and extended immersion programs.
Are there any prerequisites for enrollment?
No prior experience is required. Our curriculum accommodates all skill levels from beginners to advanced students seeking professional development.
Do you offer payment plans?
Course fees must be paid in full at registration, but we accept major credit cards and can provide documentation for personal financing arrangements.
What facilities are available to students?
Students have access to our professional workshop with luthiery benches, specialized tools, and electronics workstations in Chicago's Humboldt Park location.
Can I visit the school before enrolling?
Yes, we welcome visitors during business hours. Group tours can be scheduled by contacting our Chicago location directly.
Do you provide housing assistance?
While we don't offer on-site housing, we can recommend local accommodations for students traveling to Chicago for our courses.
