Bog’s Way

An In-Depth Hands-On Review of John Bogdanovich’s Making a Concert Classical Guitar DVD Set

by Tom Harper

Originally published in American Lutherie #113, 2013



Almost all of my classical guitars built over the last decade have used Jeff Elliott’s open transverse brace design and been built with methods learned mostly from classes taught by Charles Fox. I’ve been very pleased with the results and work flow, but have been toying with the idea of temporarily leaving my lutherie comfort zone. John Bogdanovich’s ten-DVD set Making a Concert Classical Guitar looked like it could provide the change I was looking for.

The introduction says the course is for experienced woodworkers, but I feel that anyone comfortable using the required tools and looking for an in-depth project will also enjoy it. Bogdanovich uses a broad repertoire of skills — lamination, bending with heat, carving, inlay, tool making, and more. Who would not benefit from experimenting with such a diverse set of activities?