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Luthier Apprentice information

What is a luthier apprentice?

Luthier apprentices are individuals who are learning the craft of building, repairing, and restoring stringed musical instruments under the guidance of an experienced luthier. As apprentices, they gain hands-on experience in woodworking, instrument construction, and finishing techniques. Their training often includes tasks such as shaping wood, setting up instruments, and learning about different types of strings and hardware. The apprenticeship is a crucial step for those who wish to become professional luthiers, as it combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by a luthier apprentice during their training?

As a Luthier Apprentice, one of the most common challenges is mastering the precision and patience required for intricate woodworking and instrument repair. Apprentices often work closely with experienced luthiers, learning to use specialized tools and materials while adhering to high-quality craftsmanship standards. Balancing hands-on practice with the theoretical understanding of acoustics and instrument construction can be demanding. Additionally, apprentices must develop strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills to address unique issues that arise with each instrument. However, these challenges are essential for building the expertise needed to progress in the field.

How to get an apprenticeship as a luthier apprentice?

To become a luthier apprentice, seek out workshops, music schools, or luthier studios that offer apprenticeship programs. Building skills in woodworking, instrument repair, and understanding acoustics, along with demonstrating a strong interest in stringed instrument craftsmanship, can improve your chances of securing an apprenticeship. Networking with experienced luthiers and gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering also helps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a luthier apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Luthier Apprentice, you need basic woodworking skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of musical instruments, often gained through formal training or mentorship. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and specialized luthiery equipment is typically required, and apprentices may benefit from learning CAD software or acoustic analysis tools. Patience, a willingness to learn, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the precise craftsmanship and consistent quality essential for building and repairing stringed instruments.

What is the difference between Luthier Apprentice vs Guitar Technician?

AspectLuthier ApprenticeGuitar Technician
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but apprenticeships or on-the-job trainingOften requires technical training or certification in guitar repair
Work EnvironmentWorkshop or repair shop focused on stringed instruments, especially guitars and violinsMusic stores, repair shops, or manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed in luthier workshops, custom instrument making, and restorationCommon in retail and repair settings for guitars and similar instruments

The main difference is that a Luthier Apprentice is learning the craft of building and restoring stringed instruments, often through hands-on training, while a Guitar Technician focuses on repairing, maintaining, and setting up guitars, usually with technical certifications. Both roles work in similar environments but serve different stages of instrument care and creation.

Is there a demand for luthier apprentices?

The demand for luthier apprentices is steady, as skilled instrument repair and construction remain important in the music industry. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience with tools and techniques, and many luthiers seek new talent to support their workshops and preserve traditional craftsmanship. Job opportunities may vary based on location and the number of established luthiers in the area.
What are the most commonly searched types of Luthier jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Luthier jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Luthier Apprentice jobs in Ohio? For Luthier Apprentice jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Luthier Apprentice jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Luthier Apprentice jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Luthier Apprentice jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Luthier Apprentice job openings:
Luthier Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Luthier Apprentice job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Orchestral String Instrument Repair Technician / Luthier

Kincaid's Is Music, Inc.

Springfield, OH • On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Career Summary
We are seeking an Orchestral String Instrument Repair Technician / Luthier to join our team!
**The position is flexible - it could be full-time or part-time! Please apply and we can determine what works for both of us! (The listed benefits assume full-time.)

As an Orchestral String Instrument Repair Technician, you will be responsible for determining each customer's repair needs, diagnosing issues, evaluating the sound, and making recommendations on what the best next steps are for repair or restoration.
You will use tools alongside your own hearing to diagnose instruments, disassemble and reassemble instruments as needed, and repair or replace instrument parts and components. The ideal candidate will have experience playing and working with orchestral string instruments, have a musical background, and will have excellent problem-solving skills.  

Responsibilities 
  • Listen to customer's concerns and needs about their instruments
  • Play instruments to help diagnose potential issues or defects & ensure repair completion
  • Disassemble instruments, make repairs or replace parts, and reassemble instruments
  • Use a variety of tools to assist in repairing instruments
  • Occasionally be on-site for local events to provide emergency string repair services
  • As the company grows, you may eventually be asked to help apprentice a new technician

The Pay
Salary: Hourly- or Commission-based (negotiable). If hourly, starting at $17/hr. (based on experience). If commission, 40% of labor for customer repairs.
Part-Time Benefits:
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Simple IRA matching
  • Great Work Environment
  • Employee Discounts
  • Training & Development Opportunities
  • Tools are company-owned and provided
Full-Time Benefits:
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance

The Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Experience with a variety of orchestral string instruments desired
  • Knowledge of and capably use the tools of the trade
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • The ability to multitask, and take on multiple projects at once
  • A discerning ear
  • Excellent wood-working skills
  • Able to play-test the instruments (violin, viola, cello, and string bass)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiently play an orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or string bass)
  • Have good relationships within the orchestral string world
  • Can make suggestions for how we can improve our orchestral string offerings

The Company
Kincaid’s Is Music is the top music instrument and accessory company for school music, founded in 1955 by Bradley Kincaid. We help our customers make sure that they and their children have access to instruments that will help them learn and thrive. We believe everyone deserves a music education, and want to make that a reality for as many people as possible, while setting them up for musical and personal success. 
We are a small-but-mighty, purpose-driven team of 19 from all over the Miami Valley and Central Ohio.
Our Core Values aren't just cool sayings... we commit to LIVE them each and every day:

The Code

At Kincaid’s Is Music, we live and breathe our core values. These values govern how we operate all areas of our business.


Keep It Simple


We Love Musicians & Music Educators


We Row Together


Know What Others Don't, Do What Others Won't


Make Our Own Decisions, Own Our Results


Proudly Overcommunicate

Why Kincaid’s Is Music & Why Now?

  • Pivotal Time: We are in a pivotal and exciting time in our company. We are leaders in our industry and have a track record of working with the top experts and thought leaders in the music education space. We are growing our customer base and need the right person who is hungry and excited to grow and scale our company.
  • Committed To Your Growth: We are committed to our team members’ growth as humans and in business so you develop into the best version of yourself.  
  • ‘A’ Players: Our team members enjoy working here. We have a team of high-performers who are committed to excellence while having fun doing it!
  • Leaders In Industry:  Our company is seen among the leaders in our industry, regularly listed as one of the top 200 music retailers in the nation and the best in the Miami Valley.
Have further questions? Email us at info@kincaidsmusic.com. Apply Today!