String Chimes Workshop

Learn to make an intricate string chime from scratch with master luthier Paddy Burgin. These chimes are typically placed on doors and create gentle chiming (and tuneable!) chords when open or closed.

This course will run for six hours, including a break in the middle.

All materials are provided, including specialist high grade cedar, instrument string, tuning pins, hammers (round wooden balls that strike the strings), shellac varnish (or similar), and additional wood required to build the chime box.

We also provide all tools and a state of the art workshop space, thanks to Toi Whakaari Set and Props Construction.

Course limited to ten people.

Experience
No prior woodworking experience is necessary and you will not be operating any heavy machinery – Paddy’s woodworking style uses predominantly hand tools.

Paddy Burgin
Lutherie (musical instrument making) is one of the most complex and intricate forms of woodworking. Paddy Burgin is respected internationally and has been working in this field since the 1990s, carrying a wealth of experience and information. Find out more about his work here (website) and here (RNZ interview).

What you will learn
i) how to create a resonating box, including fabricating individual parts and assembly (some raw materials are pre-cut to speed up the process).
ii) how to set instrument strings and tuning mechanisms in place.
iii) theories behind glueing and clamping
iv) fine sanding and finishing techniques; how to get something looking amazing.
v) how to precisely join wood.
vi) general woodworking principals, particularly around using hand tools.
vii) many other nuggets of information!