The Australian Guitar Building Experience.
Build Your Dream Guitar.
Travel to Melbourne, Australia.
Craft a concert-grade instrument from hand-selected native tonewoods under the guidance of a master luthier.
A 15-Day Bespoke Lutherie Residency
Close your eyes and imagine the moment.
The rich scent of native timber.
The deep satisfaction of carving your soundboard braces and shaping the neck by hand.
The reveal of that first coat of oil as the vibrant colours of the timber pop.
And finally, the feeling of hearing the deep, resonant sustain of the very first chord you strum on an instrument handcrafted entirely by you.
Whether you are an experienced woodworker or a passionate beginner, this residency takes you far beyond a standard assembly class. You will learn the uncompromising, traditional art of acoustic lutherie.
The Standard of Precision
Building a legacy acoustic guitar demands microscopic tolerances. My foundation in craftsmanship began in Leiden, Netherlands, training as a Precision Tool Maker. That background hardwired me to engineer exactness into everything I build.
In 2018, I travelled to Kiso-Fukushima, Japan, to co-teach a guitar building course. The Japanese dedication to perfection and the absolute refusal to cut corners is the exact standard I uphold in my workshop in Cottles Bridge.
When you step up to my bench, we do not use pre-machined factory kits. We take personally sourced Australian timbers and apply exacting, traditional methods to engineer an instrument that rivals the best in the world.
🛡️ 100% Completion Guarantee
With a strict 3 to 1 student to luthier ratio, I personally ensure your instrument is concert-ready before you fly home.
Your Signature Shape
This is not a one-size-fits-all factory kit. Before we proceed with the build, you will choose from a range of refined acoustic body shapes to ensure your instrument perfectly matches your playing style and physical comfort.
The Australian Tonewood Advantage
The voice of your custom acoustic begins with the timber. During your residency, you will craft your instrument from my personal collection of native Australian tonewoods. I evaluate and select every billet for its exceptional structural stability and complex acoustic properties.
Did You Know? Australian Blackwood is a close botanical cousin to the highly coveted Hawaiian Koa. While it shares Koa's breathtaking visual figuring, Blackwood is slightly denser. This gives it a uniquely punchy, robust midrange and exceptional projection that makes it a world-class tonewood in its own right.
The Classic Tier
Craft your instrument using your choice of select grade Bunya Pine or my exclusive stock of Silver Quandong for the soundboard.
A luthier secret, Silver Quandong boasts a rich, responsive tone and a light, shimmering grain.
Pair your soundboard with Australian Blackwood for the back and sides, and Queensland Maple for a highly resonant neck.
Luthier's Reserve
Elevate your build by accessing my most closely guarded timber sets, curated specifically for heirloom instruments.
Craft your soundboard from incredibly rare King Billy Pine, prized by builders for its warm, golden tone and historical prestige.
For the back and sides, choose the striking, storm-like dark grain of Blackheart Sassafras, or our Luthier's Reserve Blackwood, featuring deep, three-dimensional figuring that catches the light like flowing water.
Learn From a Master Luthier in the Yarra Valley
Brend Bunte
Building a bespoke acoustic guitar is an incredibly intimate process. When you step into my workshop, you get my undivided attention. I strictly limit each intake to three students; there is no hiding in the back. We build this legacy together.
Straight from the Bench
"At 83 years old, I am currently building my fourth custom guitar. Having built with others in the past, I can honestly say Brend’s level of one-on-one support, patience, and meticulous attention to detail is simply unmatched. It absolutely shows in the quality and tone of the final instruments. You will not find a better guide for this journey."
"I first met Brend at a Concerts Australia event and immediately fell in love with his instruments. I have always appreciated fine craftsmanship, but I never imagined I could build a concert-grade classical guitar myself. Brend’s patience and his incredibly welcoming workshop completely removed any intimidation I felt. Watching the timber pop under that first coat of oil was pure magic. Strumming that first chord on a classical guitar I built with my own hands is a feeling I will never forget."
"Brend had previously built a custom guitar for my father in Geneva, so I already knew his craftsmanship was world-class. When I traveled to Australia to build my own, the experience was incredible. Brend even handled shipping my finished instrument safely back to Switzerland so I could continue my travels completely stress-free."
"As an accountant, my daily tools are spreadsheets, not chisels. I came in with zero woodworking experience. I actually got a blister on my thumb just running timber through the thickness sander! Later on, I made a clumsy cut, but Brend didn't miss a beat. He stepped in and helped me reshape it into a flawless custom feature. We now call that mistake a 'workshop secret' meaning nobody but us will ever know it wasn't intentional! I left with a breathtaking Redwood and Blackheart Sassafras Parlour guitar. With Brend looking over your shoulder, you truly cannot fail."
The Journey: From Tree to Tone
From raw curated tonewood to a singing instrument.
Days 1 to 3: Genesis
Joining plates, bending sides, and setting the structural foundation.
Days 4 to 6: Closing the Box
Closing the soundbox and installing the bindings. The moment your acoustic chamber is sealed and its fundamental voice is trapped inside.
Day 7: Recharge
Tools down. A private tour through the Yarra Valley, including wine tasting, an iconic Australian wildlife sanctuary, and more.
Days 8 to 10: Sculpting
Preparing the fretboard, fitting the neck joint, and hand-carving the neck profile to perfectly fit your playing hand. We finish this phase with the final fine-sanding.
Days 11 to 13: The Reveal
Fret installation, gluing the bridge, and applying the first coat of oil!
Days 14 to 15: The First Strum
Setup, Songwriting Masterclass with Ernest Aines, Farewell Dinner & Concert.
The True Value of the Build
To commission a bespoke acoustic guitar from rare Australian tonewoods would typically require an investment of $5,500 USD or more alone.
When you add 16 nights of private accommodation and all meals, 15 days of dedicated tuition, a tailored Yarra Valley experience, and a private recording session, the true value of this experience exceeds $14,750 USD.
| Custom Luthier-Built Guitar | $5,500 USD |
| 15 Days Dedicated Tuition | $3,500 USD |
| 16 Nights Private Cottage Stay | $2,500 USD |
| Private Songwriting Masterclass | $750 USD |
| Professional Concert Recording | $750 USD |
| Handpicked Regional Menus | $1,200 USD |
| Personalised Yarra Valley Tour | $550 USD |
| TOTAL VALUE: | $14,750+ USD |
Residency Details
- Dates: Sunday 19 July 2026 to Tuesday 4 August 2026 (Includes check-in and check-out days).
- Location: The Gourley Music Workshop in Melbourne, Australia.
- Capacity: Strictly limited to 3 benches per intake.
- The Investment: $7,950 USD
Your investment includes all Classic Tier tonewoods, 16 nights of private accommodation, your finished acoustic guitar, and a professional flight-ready hard case. We provide a beautifully balanced menu featuring fully catered gourmet meals and tailored culinary experiences. You will also enjoy a personalised Yarra Valley tour featuring Healesville Sanctuary, the Yarra Valley Dairy, and a bespoke stop at a local winery, brewery, or distillery based on the group preference. Finally, your ticket includes the songwriting workshop and private concert with Ernest Aines.
Please note: Flights and airport transfers are the responsibility of the student. Daily transport between your accommodation and the workshop is fully provided.
The Yarra Retreat
While you build your masterpiece, they experience the very best of Australia’s renowned Yarra Valley wine region. We have designed a tailored boutique experience for your plus-one so you can focus entirely on your build without leaving them at a hotel.
- Two exclusive mid-week wine tastings.
- A complimentary 60-minute luxury day spa massage.
- Full inclusion in all curated workshop lunches and regional culinary menus.
- A personalised Yarra Valley excursion including Healesville Sanctuary.
Seamlessly integrated with your workshop schedule so you can reconnect every evening in your private cottage. +$1,750 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
I have zero woodworking experience. Can I really do this?
Absolutely. Many of our students have never held a chisel. With a 3 to 1 student to luthier ratio, you receive constant, personalized attention. I personally supervise every critical cut to ensure you leave with a concert-grade instrument, regardless of your starting skill.
What happens if I make a mistake?
Timber is forgiving, and so are we. We supervise every critical cut. If a mishap occurs, we have the expertise to fix it invisibly or, in rare cases, replace the component. You cannot ruin your guitar.
Can I bring my partner?
Yes. We offer a dedicated luxury retreat package. While you build, they can explore the Yarra Valley, join private wine tours, enjoy local spa treatments, or relax in your private cottage. You can select this option in the application form below.
How do I get my guitar home safely?
We specialize in international students. We provide every student with a professional flight-ready hard case to ensure it survives the journey. Additionally, our native Australian timbers are globally export-safe and do not require restrictive CITES documentation, guaranteeing smooth customs clearance.
Why do you not offer Cutaways?
To ensure concert-grade quality within 15 days, we focus exclusively on our signature non-cutaway shape. This allows us to dedicate maximum time to the traditional assembly process and applying a meticulous, hand-applied oil finish, ensuring your guitar sounds as breathtaking as it looks naturally.
What is the cancellation policy?
Because we only have three benches, successful applicants have 7 days to place a 20 percent non-refundable deposit to secure their dates. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to arrival. This allows us to procure your specific exhibition-grade timber sets and secure your accommodation well in advance.
Secure Your Bench
With just three benches open for the July 2026 intake, spots are strictly limited and entry is by application only.
Submit your details below. I personally review every application. If your application is successful and a bench is available, I will reach out to schedule a brief, no-pressure video call to discuss your woodworking experience, answer your questions, and see if we are ready to build your dream guitar.
*Accepted applications require a 20 percent deposit to lock dates.