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Hamm-tone

This website is potentially the future website for Hamm-tone Guitars and Mandolins. My Host server has gone through some updating difficulties, and as a result my website has disappeared. I will try to update all the most pertinant information here. Thankyou for your patience.

Upcoming classes, Calendar: Below you will find the complete course calendar list for 2025. For information about your desired class or workshop, please click the appropriate link relative to the class that you are interested in. Please don't hesitate to drop me a message, I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to attend a class, please make sure that you have your deposit sent in via cheque, money order or Interac e-transfer a minimum of 1 month before the start date. This ensures my ability to have the proper materials in stock before you arrive. ​ We are currently booking students for: February 17-28, 2025-2 Week Acoustic Class, Private (booked) March 24-April 4th- 2 Week Acoustic Class, Private (booked) April 16 & 17, 2025- 2 Day Setup Class (Maximum 4 students-booked) May 19-June 20th, 2025- 5 Week Acoustic Class-space available (Maximum 4 Students, availability) June 24 & 25th, 2025, 2 Day Setup Class (Maximum 4 students, availability) July 21- August 1, 2025 - 2 Week Telecaster from Scratch Class-space available (Maximum 4 students- availability) September 15-October 17, 2025, 5 Week Acoustic Guitar Building Class-space available (Maximum 4 Students, availability ) October 27-November 28, 2025 , 5 Week Acoustic Guitar Building Class-space available (Maximum 4 Students, availability) December 8-19, 2025, 2 Week Private Acoustic guitar building class: One person, space available Classes with an asterisk (*) beside the title, denote a class that will be confirmed based on first person registration. This allows me to ensure that I am offering a wider array of classes to people with which they are in highest demand. First come, first served. Please feel free to contact me about a class that you would like to attend but do not see on the calendar! If you have any questions, please email me at: jeremyhammtone@gmail.com Deposits are non-refundable, but under certain circumstances I may sometimes be willing to transfer to a class at a later date.

5 WEEK CLASS, ACOUSTIC GUITAR: The Hamm-tone Guitar Building and Repair school is based in the lower level of Quest Musique at 1308 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, Canada. Winnipeg's music scene is among the best in Canada, so get ready to experience complete musical immersion! ​ For the 5 Week Acoustic Class: -Each student has their own workplace/bench and set of tools. Basic hand tool experience is definitely an asset, but not required. Each student is expected to demonstrate a willingness to learn and respect for their tools. In order to effectively teach a modern small-scale guitar making method we use a combination of both hand tools and power tools. Students can choose between a steel string acoustic guitar and a classical. I encourage you to come to the course with a good idea of the style of guitar you would like to build and the body shape, general dimensions are also a good idea. This course is 5 weeks long, therefore we have to find a good balance with our time, efficiency is key. With the 5 week course we cover the following: -guitar design -joining tops and backs -thicknessing wood using both hand planes and thickness sander -inlaying rosettes & cutting soundholes -bending sides -bracing and voicing soundboards -rim construction and different methods of assembling the body -binding techniques: Only using solid wood binding -dove-tail joints, the traditional American method for fastening necks onto guitars -neck construction/carving -headstock design and making -fret-board slotting and radiusing -basics on inlay -fretting the neck -french polishing and lacquering -bridge construction and fitting &glueing -nut and saddle making -buffing -setup basics: intonation, action, neck relief, fret dressing Features found on Hamm-tone student built guitars that are often not covered by other schools: -domed/radiused tops -in 2018 we temporarily changed our rim making method, making the rim in a similar style to the "Beardsell rim". It was composed of three main parts: The solid exterior wood side, the middle basswood "double-kerfed"interior piece, and the inner veneer that you see when you look in the soundhole. It is incredibly stiff, yet lightweight. It also eliminates the need for kerfing. I have since switched back to solid sides with 2-3 interior veneers laminated on the inside to increase stiffness. This technique makes a guitar that is stiff with warmer bass response. For your consideration: You can build your guitar with either: -a traditional Martin style dovetail joint or -a traditional Martin style dovetail joint with 1 bolt and threaded receiver inserts or -a modern take on guitar neck joins: The Hamm-tone "Honeymoon Fit", which combines a bolt on Martin style dovetail joint with a Taylor guitars style mortoise and tenon shelf. It's easy for neck resets, great for building, finishing and assembly, and fantastic for future repairs. Tonally it sounds just like a standard dovetail, as the dovetail is what is holding all the neck tension, not the bolt. The bolt merely acts as a setting pin/lock. -if time permits, I demonstrate sunbursting. Upcoming classes listed on calendar page. ​Deposits are non-refundable, but under certain circumstances I may sometimes be willing to transfer to a class at a later date. We cover every detail that a guitar builder will come across when building and I oversee each student's individual progress along every step. I explain every part of the guitar in such a way that helps provide a realistic understanding with regards to the mechanics of the instrument. I think that it's a wonderful thing for a guitar player to have the ability to know their instrument and be able to identify problems, troubleshoot and fix their guitars in the future. This course helps debunk a lot of myths and give people the confidence that they may not have had otherwise. The guitars that have left this shop built by my students have exceeded my expectations on a regular basis. The price of the course is $4250 CAD, plus applicable taxes. This includes the cost of the materials. A $750.00 deposit is required prior to the start of the course to ensure a spot is saved for you. The guitar you build here is the guitar you keep! Take note: International students often mention how good a dollar value this class is. Some schools that teach musical instrument building will keep the student instruments and sell them for profit after they are completed! This instrument belongs to YOU! High-school diploma is required and minimum age 18 years to participate. About the shop: The new shop is a very reasonable size. It has a welcoming area, a main work area where the individual benches are, a machine room and a finishing room. I really like my stationary buffing arbour, you will be able to get aquainted with it if you are very careful. There is a maximum of 4 students per session to ensure quality student/instructor time. Upcoming Dates: listed on class calendar page/course dates

The 5 Week Archtop Class. Carved Spruce top, flat/radiused back or if you prefer, laminated-pressed walnut or cherry back. This is not a kit build, but a good introduction to high end acoustic archtop guitar building. My main reference models have been early 1940's/late 1930's Epiphone archtop guitars. They were built with a more refined method and better quality materials than the Gibsons of the era. Cantilevered fingerboard extension, dual action truss rod, dovetail neck join with or without bolts. The guitars will have bound tops and backs with wooden purflings, graduated soundboards carved by you, with the aid of a pantograph. Experience is preferable, if you've already taken a building class or two with me, it would help you immensely. I will provide all materials, except you will be responsible for providing the tuning machines, tailpiece and, if you wish, a pickup. This will not be an ES335 style class, we will be building jazz style guitars, no cutting into the soundboard to mount pickups! Something like a Kent Armstrong style pickup that mounts at the end of the fretboard. Cost: $4400 plus applicable taxes. Deposit of $750 secures your space. Inquire for more information! Dates listed on course dates/calendar page

2 WEEK PRIVATE ACOUSTIC BUILD: This class has become a standard part of the Hamm-tone instruction method. I've run multiple 2 week classes in the past, but they were in a small group setting. This private instructional acoustic class will be a way that people without 5 weeks can cover all the same material and methods in the 5 week class. Typically in a 5 week class I will build one guitar as a demonstration model, the students will build their own. In this class we will build one guitar together, I will partially build one alongside you. My main focus is your guitar. It is a lot of work, but if we work alongside, it can be done in an efficient manner with a high standard of quality. The details of construction are the same as the 5 week class. No Spanish heel, only the Hamm-tone Honeymoon Fit neck join, which is a hybrid of a Martin dovetail and a Taylor mortoise and tenon. Solid sides with interior laminations, radiused top and back, finishing, fretwork, everything. Please inquire if you are interested, I am sure these classes will fill up quickly. Class cost: $4250 plus applicable taxes. Deposit of $750 will hold your space. All prices in Canadian dollars. ​Thanks!-Jeremy

2 DAY REPAIR CLASS: This class is exactly what the title suggests. 2 days in length, we'll make custom fabricated bone nuts and saddles, all types of fretwork, truss rod adjustment, proper setups for both electric and acoustic guitars. We'll try to cover as much as possible in two business days. It's a good way to lower your monthly repair bill! Cost is $400 plus applicable taxes, includes shop use, tuition, bone nut and saddle blanks, even enough fretwire for a full refret. Contact us if you are interested, classes are limited. Available Dates posted on the Calendar Page​ ​​Deposits are non-refundable, but under certain circumstances I may sometimes be willing to transfer to a class at a later date.

3 WEEK ELECTRIC CLASS: We have been offering the 3 week electric guitar building course for about 15 years now. We cover every aspect of electric guitar construction in this course, other than winding pickups and making hardware. The electric course is limited to 5 students in order to maximize the instructor/student relationship. Many schools run anywhere from 7 to 20 students. The basic idea of the electric course is to provide students with a good basic fundamental understanding of their instrument. We build the guitars in the electric course with the bolt on style neck design. You can choose either standard Fender style screws and neck plate, or you can do it my way which incorporates 2,3 or 4 threaded female fasteners that are implanted into the neck and 2-4 machine bolts with allen key heads. They look pretty classy and are really strong. I prefer the bolt on method because it allows you to repair the guitar more easily in the future. It also makes it easier to hot-rod it if you wish. You can build a tele style guitar, strat style, Les Paul Jr. style, SG style, or anything in that vein if you wish. Also, if you're a bass player, you can build a bass if you want. The neck just may take a little more sanding than the 6 string guitar necks! We make templates, join the wood that will end up being the body. We build the necks, thickness the fingerboards, cut the fret slots, fret and if it's a maple fingerboard we lacquer it. We cover a number of different finishing methods, from oil to shellac to waterborne and nitro-cellulose lacquers. When I say "cover", I do not mean "just discuss it, and you do it at home" I mean: "we will be preparing the body for finishing, choosing the type of finish, applying the finish, letting it cure and wet sanding and buffing it out so it looks professional". I mean business. There's no point in you wasting your time, hoping you're going to learn a skill and then realizing a course does not actually "cover" the topic. We do it here. You learn it here. Next we wire the guitar, assemble all the parts and set it up. At the end of the 3 week course you will have a completed guitar. This is not the type of course where things are prepared for you either, it's not a kit. YOU are the one who will build the guitar and I will be the one guiding you along in such a way that no train wrecks occur! On top of that, I've made every mistake in the book, so if you mess something up, don't worry! I'll help you fix it in a professional and timely manner, but you still have to be careful! We've had people from all over the world for this course; people from many different backgrounds. From industrial arts teachers, engineers, musicians, lawyers, dentists, highschool graduates, cabinet makers, house inspectors, plumbers, welders, computer programmers, physicists and even politicians! Everyone goes home with a good guitar and some experience and skill that can be applied to the next musical instrument project! PRICING: Tuition is $2495 plus applicable taxes. This fee covers tuition, standard body and neck wood, fret wire and truss rod. The hardware, electronic components, pickups, tuning machines are not included and the student's responsibility. In order for this to work, I require that prior to you coming out and studying here, we sort out exactly what type of guitar you plan on building, the parts and materials you will use. I will compile the list and order the materials once you pay your deposit (which is the cost of materials). Any 3 week classes prior to September 2023 are $1995 for tuition, plus taxes. Materials and hardware are student's responsibility. In summary, this is quite likely the best value a person can get in North America with regards to finding an enjoyable introduction into the world of lutherie. Please feel free to email me with any other questions you may have! Hope to see you soon! -Jeremy ​Email me at: jeremyhammtone@gmail.com Upcoming 3 Week Electric Classes posted on calendar page. Deposits are non-refundable, but under certain circumstances I may sometimes be willing to transfer to a class at a later date. What you can expect we will cover: -Guitar design -basic power and hand tool use -template making -joinery -neck construction -fitting trussrods -fretboard making -drawing a wiring diagram -wiring and soldering -fretting -finish work -making bone nut -headstock design & construction -optional binding -setup work and fret leveling/dressing -you will leave with a completed guitar!

2 WEEK TELECASTER CLASS, from scratch. I've done some crazy things in the past. Like the 12 day acoustic guitar class, from scratch. Including lacquer and setting up and playing at the end. Not from a kit. From rough wood. So, I know it can be done. Back in 2019, we decided to accomodate some of the people out there who can't take 3 or 5 weeks off from work, but really want to get into the nitty gritty and see what is possible. What to expect: When you get here, it's going to be kind of like a guitar building version of the popular TV show "Survivor". You will be given the appropriate templates to use for the construction of a Telecaster style guitar. (If you give me enough time, I may accomodate your wishes and let you build a P/J bass or Strat/Jag, but you gotta let me know at least a month ahead of time). I'll have all the wood ready, nothing cut. We'll rough out the body, trim, router, file, sand, seal, lacquer, make the neck from scratch, no pre-fab junk here. This class covers standard Fender style construction, little deviation from stock Fender style guitars, but tons of space for customization and hotrodding! The price for the 2 week Telecaster class is $2495, plus taxes. Includes maple neck, fretboard, ash, alder or basswood body blank, fretwire, trussrod, nut, fretboard dots, ferrules, control plate, pots, switch, capacitor, neck plate and screws, tuition, tools and shop space! You are responsible to bring: tuning machines, pickups, pickguard, strings and bridge! ​ ​ This is going to be a good 2 weeks. If you are interested, please send me a message or call/text: 204-894-3834 Upcoming Dates: Posted on the Calendar Page​ If you would like to build a P Bass, I will let you. Message for more information

TESTIMONIALS: I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed your course, how much I like playing the guitar I made, etc., but the “Reader’s Digest “version is simply that it was great and I had a lot of fun – Thanks! -Bruce Medd, Victoria, BC I took Jeremy's course in November 2010. As seen on his website he makes gorgeous instruments, in both their sound and look. He builds right along side you in this course. I had very little experience working with wood, but I built two very nice instruments in 5 weeks and have built a dozen since. You get taken through, step-by-step, and he does everything he can to accommodate each students needs. The course is 5 weeks long, but what you take from it will last the rest of your life. If you want to become a builder or just build your dream guitar, this course is fantastic. Its a journey from beginning to end, and strumming a tune on a guitar you built yourself just feels that much better. Do it!" -Michael C Rusen Victoria, BC 2 Day Setup Class I recently completed a fun, educational, and productive 2 Day Guitar Setup Class. Jeremy really enjoys teaching, and his “meet the student where they are at” style works very well. He first shows us what to do, then turns us loose to tackle our guitars on our own – with his oversight. The techniques are very practical and require a minimum of specialized tools. I had started some setup work on my own and made some playability improvements, but with Jeremy’s direction and guidance the 5 guitars I worked on all left the course playing much better. I’m confident that I can take the knowledge and skills learned home. Mission accomplished! -Randy Mavins, Winnipeg, MB The mando arrived today at noon and I have to say it looks fantastic. You did a much better job of putting a new top on than Jake did the last time. The set up is great and I'm happy to have the new frets. All in all I'm really happy to have it back looking like new. Great work! So then I put the bridge on and tuned it up and for the first time in a long while, I had my favourite mando back in my hands. I have just started a recording project and so this comes at the best of all possible times. This afternoon I started working on a mando solo for one of the tunes. It sounds great and records just as well. I'm truly pleased. Thanks for all the care you took with it, All the best, -Gordon Stobbe ​ "You have my unsolicited nod! Great course. You'll come away a better person, with a fine guitar." -Terence Stover, Churchill, MB "It was the best hands on course that we have taken of any kind, the experience was top notch" -Ted K., Edmonton, AB "Thanks again for the course, It was fantastic and you are a great teacher and wonderful person." -Norman H., Leduc, AB " I enjoyed learning how to build an electric guitar! Jeremy knows the guitar "inside and out" It was a casual, laid-back atmosphere and I came away with a nicely finished product!. I highly recommend this course!" -Dusty Bowman, Banff, Alberta "Thanks again Jeremy, You're a great teacher. See you soon, Jesse" -Dr, J. Carlson, Brandon, MB "I'm a drummer but all my guitar slinging friends either want or own a Hamm-tone which says a lot. They also rave about how he sets up guitars. Trust a luthier who is also a killer musician!" -Steve Gregg, Winnipeg, MB "Amazing work and attention to detail!" -Adrian Fuhr-Hastings, Waterloo, ON "Skilled luthier and knowledgeable, patient, instructor. I built an incredible guitar under Jeremy's guidance. Try it for yourself! Can't recommend highly enough." -Evan Boechler, AB ​ « De l’autre côté de l’atlantique, au beau milieu du Canada, j’ai pu réaliser le rêve d’apprendre à fabriquer une guitare acoustique! Ici, aucune expérience préalable n’est nécessaire. La seule exigence est de comprendre et de parler anglais. L’apprentissage se fait avec passion, dans la bonne humeur, la décontraction et selon une méthode bien éprouvée. Jeremy est un type formidable, un excellent musicien et un luthier remarquable. Vous adorerez passer du temps dans cet atelier, entouré de ces gens, de ces outils et de ces instruments! Au terme des 5 semaines, vous repartirez avec une guitare très personnelle dont les qualités ne cesseront de vous étonner. Il est même probable que vous ne jouiez jamais plus qu’avec celle-là! Une superbe expérience que vous n’êtes pas prêt d’oublier! » -Sébastien, France. "Jeremy Hamm is a fantastic and inspiring teacher. I enjoyed every minute of the three week custom electric guitar building course last October/November. I am thoroughly satisfied with the guitar I came away with and am grateful for the experience of building it under his guidance. Jeremy is so personable and makes you feel welcome in his work shop. I highly recommend attending his school to learn about the guitar and much more! You will have a great time." -Alex Crease "I took one of Jeremy’s acoustic guitar building courses a number of years ago and it really was an amazing experience. There is nothing quite like building an instrument with your own hands. My guitar still plays and sounds better than ever! Quality instruction from an elite luthier and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Very highly recommended." -Jonathan R. "I have been playing guitar for most of my life, and i am proud to say my Hamm-tone guitars will be my favorite for the rest of my life!!" -Chris Dunn "Jeremy built me a guitar that has never let me down. Incredible value for the money plus friendly, generous, professional service and advice on my modest collection of vintage stringed goodies. Amazing craftsman and an even more amazing human❤️" -Rob Waddell "I was lucky enough to take a one week ukulele building course from Jeremy Hamm in 2019. He worked with skill, knowledge and patience. All 5 students got the help that they needed. By demonstrating on his own ukulele build, we were all able to clearly see the next steps. Though I was a beginner as a builder and as a musician, Jeremy was always encouraging and helpful. I would highly recommend this course." -Martha Reimer Jeremy is a very skilled luthier. His attention to detail and consideration for his client’s concerns go above and beyond. He is a true craftsman and a patient, generous instructor. We couldn’t ask for a better guy to deal with and will always return our precious instruments to his capable hands. -Natasha Desrochers I own a Hamm-Tone archtop, #99. It might be the best guitar I've ever played, certainly the best I've owned. I've basically sold every other guitar I had except for a telecaster. Jeremy is the greatest kind of nerd. His passion is infectious, his skills are renowned. I believe his heart is too big for his balance sheet. Anyone who could complain about the price has never been a customer. I'm thankful everyday for the work Jeremy does. He's a Godsend to the Winnipeg music scene. -Jaxon Haldane Hamm-tone Guitars is run by a musician who cares deeply for his craft. This business is a passion for him and it shows throughout all his creations and repairs. He is deeply respected by all professional players in the Winnipeg music scene, which says a LOT. He stands by his instruments whether they are built by him or repaired and makes sure that every customer is not only satisfied, but surprised by the extra effort he puts forth to ensure solidarity. He has been building this reputation for 20 years and deserves six stars. -Tim Osmond Jeremy is a great local builder and repair man. He’s always willing to take the time to answer questions and will never make you feel like your asking a dumb question. His guitar building classes are for experienced builder and also first time builders. -Dan Thomas I have known Jeremy for years. His knowledge, skill, experience and enthusiam is remarkable and he operates with deep integrity. I have seen the attention he gives to everything after having played several of his hand-crafted instruments and have recommended him to several touring musicians as a place to check out when travelling. -J Sonier Own a Hamm tone electric mandolin and absolutely love it - plays and sounds great, and besides being beautiful it withstands a lot of punishment as I’m not exactly easy on my aces. I’ve also played a number of other instruments that Jeremy has made, and without exception they’ve been wonderful instruments. -Aaron Goss Jeremy is the greatest,nicest and fairest luthier you will ever find. I have been playing his guitars for 10 years now and would never use anything else. His work is world class ..... I love him. -Chris Saywell I play a Hamm-tone! It is the best guitar I’ve ever owned. Not only does it feel great, sound great (on and off stage) but it’s a beautiful work of art. there’s a reason why so many professional musicians want one or have one. Do yourself a favour, get a Hamm-Tone. -Andrew Neville I've taken two courses with Hamm-Tone guitars building a couple electrics and an acoustic and I really can't speak highly enough about it. Jeremy is a super supportive guy and encourages you to really succeed. I've also played many Hamm-Tone guitar he has built and they're really fantastic. -Joël Gregoire Jeremy is hands town one of the finest luthiers around! He did a fantastic job re seeming my upright bass, the thing was nearly in 2 pieces and Jeremy made it like new again! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and highly skilled! -Jake Stead The acoustic building course was absolutely incredible and Jeremy builds the best sounding guitars and does the best repair work I've ever seen! -Luke Gerard I have a custom made electric guitar by Jeremy Hamm that I love to bits. He is a Winnipeg luthier of dreams, with customer service that keeps on giving. -Keri Latimer Jeremy’s guitars play fast, sound perfect, and I have admired his craftsmanship ever since I took the guitar building course back when he still lived in La rivière. -Benjamin Hadaller Amazing guitars! Love the tone, volume and feel. I've played a lot of Hamm-tone guitars and they consistently out perform the "off the shelf" Gibsons and Martin's. At a price of $3500 -$4000 for a HANDMADE guitar is in my books a steal of a deal. Top notch customer service, will be a return customer. -Donovan Locken Hamm-tone guitars rocks! Jeremy is a master luthier and an excellent teacher! I had a great time and learned so much about guitars and their construction in his electric build class. If you've ever wanted to make your own guitar do yourself a favour and take one of his classes. I can't wait to one day take the acoustic build. -Ken H. Jeremy Hamm at Hamm-tone Guitars is a brilliant luthier. I asked Jeremy to build a 7 string electric guitar for me using both modern and traditional techniques as I wanted something unique, beautiful and playable for many years to come. Jeremy built me such an amazing instrument that excels at all the various styles that I like to play. He was continually communicative with me during the build, we collaborated very closely on the design, he was much more generous, courteous, creative and thoughtful in his building than I had any right to ask. The guitar turned out to be an absolutely stunning instrument with perfect intonation, gorgeous woods, a nicely slender and slick neck with nice fretwork. I’m struck at its awesomeness every time I play it and I get a lot of compliments on it when I show it off to friends. I can only hope to do a class with him in the future. Highly recommended for any kind of luthier needs, builds, and repairs. -Matthew Unger In year 2016, I was handed my HT#97 in Lariviere, I totally love it, and now knowing JH and family, well top notch Jeremy, thanks forever . -Walter Mooney Jeremy is an awesome luthier. Nothing short of amazing talent and an amazing teacher. There's a sense of comfort working under his supervision. Coming from New York, I've been to his shop 8 times. I will be back for the 9th time for his acoustic build course in February 2019. I would think that speaks volumes......See you soon Jeremy.... -Anzalone Guitars Best place to bring in your guitar or stringed instrument. Jeremy is very knowledgable, friendly and helpful. He also is one kick ass guitar player, so why bring your instrument to someone who doesn't know how to even play it. Hamm-tone is my go to from now on. -Julius Estrada On my second build course. Absolute best bang for your buck. I learned a lot and had a great time. Even if you only purchase one of his instruments you'll be very pleased having a custom instrument -James McNeice

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My REAL Website crashed.  This is temporary.  Please email with any questions!! The photos and prices on this site do not reflect reality.  Just AI created fake stuff. Please wait patiently and I should have the other site up and running again.  Thanks for your understanding.  -Jeremy

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At Hamm-tone, we are dedicated to the art of crafting custom-built instruments and imparting luthier skills through our specialized classes. Our passion drives us to create unique pieces that resonate with musicians' souls, ensuring each instrument is a masterpiece in itself.

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