From Hobby to Career: How to Make a Living in Lutherie

A practical guide for luthiers.

Making a Living in Lutherie: From Amateur to Professional

by Nigel Forster

What is this about?

A no-nonsense guide to making your living from instrument making and repair, not with gimmicks or marketing tricks, but by getting control of your time, workspace, mindset, and habits.

This is not a book about how to build guitars. It is about how to build a life doing it, without burnout, stress, or financial chaos.


“There is a lot of information available about how to build an instrument but not much available about how to make a living doing it. Nigel addresses topics  and gives advice that every craftsman can benefit from. I wish this information had been available when I took the plunge from amateur to full time luthier.”  

Robert O’Brien, professional luthier, teacher.

Why you need it

You already know how to work with wood? But if you:

• Waste time and don’t know where it goes.
• Struggle to stay organised or keep your bench clear.
• Feel overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in chaos.
• Are good at building and repairing, but bad at running a business.
• Wonder if you’re really cut out for full-time lutherie?

…then this book was written for you.

What you get

• Over 150 pages of honest, experience-based advice.
• A practical approach to time management, focus, and clarity.
• Guidance on handling customers, avoiding “energy sinks,” and saying no.
• A complete rethink of how your workshop runs both physically and mentally.
• Tools to help you enjoy your work and make a decent living.

You’ll learn how to

• Audit your time and spot where it’s leaking away.
• Cut distractions and bad habits.
• Stay motivated without relying on guilt or stress.
• Deal with difficult situations and learn to avoid them in the first place.

Delivered as a full-length PDF. Instant download.

Who am I to tell you?

I’m Nigel Forster. I’ve been a full-time luthier since 1988, building guitars, bouzoukis, and mandolins.

I’ve made the mistakes, lived the reality. This book is based on 35+ years of learning what works and what doesn’t, when your craft is your livelihood.

What do readers say?

“This book really challenged the way I approach my work. I’ve actually changed how I run my business as a result.”
— Conor C.

“Reading it gave me the push I needed to make positive changes in my workshop and my mindset.”
— Sebastien M.

“The advice on managing my time was a wake-up call. I’m seeing improvements in both my day-to-day and overall outlook.”
— Andrew C.

“I was surprised by how much I recognized myself in these pages—and how much room I had to grow.”
— Paul T.

“It was refreshing to get a new perspective from someone who’s been there. The book helped me re-evaluate what I’m doing and why.”
— Joseph P.

How much is it?

US$25.00
Instant download. No subscription. Yours to keep.

How to buy it

Click the button to check out securely through Payhip.
Once your purchase is complete, you’ll receive a download link right away.