CSL is recognized world wide as a center for studying the design and construction of exquisite, hand-made, custom-built guitars as well as restoration secrets, knowledge and hands on experience.  Specializing in teaching students how to make and repair stringed instruments for utmost playability, comfort and acoustic quality, as well as discussions on the philosophy of the craft. Students have attended from places as far away as Japan, Germany, the United States, across Canada as well as a two week teaching 12 native Inuk people travelling workshop to the Canadian Arctic.

All instruments in the four week and longer courses are made from raw materials by hand, with hand-carved necks, bridges and inlays. Traditions of excellence and dedication to hand-crafted quality are taught then built into all guitars, restorations and repairs.

The materials used in CSL by our students are chosen for custom sound and performance qualities. Traditional and non traditional style instruments built with East Indian rosewood, Sitka, Red and Engelmann spruce, mahogany and ebony develop concert grade sound and projection.

Unique to the CSL studio are guitars that are constructed from sustainable non-endangered indigenous woods by local suppliers, some found by us while walking the beautiful wilds of Nova Scotia others harvested from hillsides and ravines as well as the occasional firewood pile. These include ash, cherry, butternut, yellow poplar, tamarac, birds-eye and curly maple, hawthorn, Large Tooth Aspen and wild apple. Guitars made from these woods give an exciting and thrilling sound, adding unique tonal characters to each instrument.

All students are taught to develop an ear by tap tuning instruction as well as  hand-carving scalloped bracing, unique inlays and purfling. You are only limited by your imagination, we encourage creativity.

CSL can build your dream custom steel string acoustic, electric guitar or bass, flamenco, classical and mandolins. We also have a selection of our students guitars for sale at excellent value. Please contact us with any orders or enquiries.

902-481-7614

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it