After looking up luthiery schools all over the US, I narrowed it down to a place in Sebastopol, CA. Called the guy, he said he would call back, and never did! So, I just muddled on, messing up stuff blindly. Then my wife, bless her, saw a tiny little add in the Austin Chronicle, Ed Schaefer Guitars, luthiery course etc. So here I am!! Had to pay, of course. And not regretted a single thing about it, never had to leave home and made a friend. What else could you want?