THE AUSTRALIAN
GUITAR EXPERIENCE
Craft Your Masterpiece. Hear It Come Alive.
A 15-Day Luxury Luthier Residency on the edge of the Yarra Valley.
For The Serious Maker.
From the Bush
to the Bench.
This is not just a woodworking class. It is a pilgrimage for the serious maker. For 15 days, you will live and breathe the luthier lifestyle nestled on the edge of the stunning Yarra Valley.
🛡️ 100% Completion Guarantee
With a 3:1 student-to-master ratio, I personally ensure your instrument is concert-ready before you fly home.
The Australian Advantage
King Billy Pine
Lighter than Spruce with a complex, singing sustain. Known as the "Holy Grail" of Australian tonewoods.
Fiddleback Blackwood
The "Australian Koa." Stunning figure with a warm, rich mid-range projection. Visually and sonically spectacular.
Queensland Maple
Lightweight, stable, and resonant. Transfers vibration perfectly from headstock to body for maximum response.
The Process
From raw timber to a singing instrument.
The Journey: From Tree to Tone
Days 1-3: Genesis
Joining plates, bending sides, and setting the structural foundation.
Days 4-6: Marriage
Closing the box and fitting the neck—the moment it becomes a guitar.
Day 7: Recharge
Tools down. Private wildlife tours and Yarra Valley tasting experiences.
Days 8-10: Sculpting
Hand-carving the neck profile and applying the first coat of oil.
Days 11-12: Strum
Hardware installation and the first ring of the strings.
Days 13-15: Finale
Masterclass with Ernest Aines, Farewell Dinner, and Private Concert.
The Best "No" I Ever Got
Pablo, Class of 2021
Classical Guitar Build
Straight from the Bench
The International Pilgrim
"Since Brend had already built and shipped a custom guitar to my father in Geneva, I knew I was in safe hands. He handled the shipping of my finished guitar back to Switzerland so I could continue traveling around Australia stress-free."
Alex, Geneva (Nov 2019)
The Legacy Builder
"I came to finish one instrument, but returned to build a second for my daughter's 21st. Using Tasmanian Myrtle and Silver Quandong for such a special milestone made it a true legacy project."
Lliam, 2-Time Builder
The Soulful Artisan
"I was terrified of ruining the wood, but the process is so well guided. Strumming that first chord on a guitar I built myself is a feeling I can’t describe."
Gloria, First Build
The Country Retreat
Authentic living, farm-fresh dining, and curated excursions.
The Valley Life
Private tasting at Wedge Tail Winery and sunset brewery sessions.
Wildlife VIP
Private tour of the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary. Meet Koalas and Kangaroos.
Private Cottage
16 days / 15 nights in a boutique country cottage. Enjoy wholesome, farm-fresh meals.
Meet The Maker
Brend Bunte
(I was alive in the woods. In life I was silent. In death, I sweetly sing.)
That ancient inscription is the only 'theory' that matters. My job is simply to unlock that song.
I haven't spent my career obsessing over acoustic graphs. I’ve spent it focusing on one thing: making instruments that sound better and play better.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have zero woodworking experience. Can I really do this?
Absolutely. 90% of our students have never held a chisel. Our 'Guided Hands' teaching method ensures that while you do the work, we guarantee the precision. You will leave with a concert-level 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 'Valley Companion' package. While you build, they can explore the Yarra Valley, join private garden tours, or relax in your private cottage. You reconnect every evening for our fully catered dinners.
How do I get my guitar home safely?
We specialize in international students. We can upgrade you to a Premium Flight-Ready Hard Case (thermal-molded and crush-resistant) and assist with all CITES timber documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Why don't you offer Cutaways?
To ensure master-grade quality within 15 days, we focus exclusively on our signature Non-Cutaway shape. This allows us to dedicate maximum time to voicing the braces and refining the French Polish, ensuring your guitar sounds as breathtaking as it looks.
What is the cancellation policy?
A 20% non-refundable deposit secures your bench. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to arrival. This allows us to procure your specific timber sets and secure your accommodation well in advance.
Secure Your Bench
| Custom Luthier-Built Guitar | $5,500 USD |
| 15 Days Master Tuition | $3,500 USD |
| 16 Nights Private Cottage Stay | $2,500 USD |
| All Meals (Farm-Fresh & Winery) | $1,200 USD |
| TOTAL VALUE: | $13,500+ USD |
- 15-Day Masterclass Residency
- 16 Nights Private Cottage (Arrive Day 0)
- All Master-Grade Timbers & Hardware
- All Meals & Curated Valley Experiences
- Standard Hard Case Included
*Accepted applications require 20% deposit to lock dates.