Musical instrument maker and repairer
Musical instrument makers and repairers construct new musical instruments and fix ones that have been damaged.
Working Hours
37–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As an instrument maker or repairer, you would:
- build new instruments
- repair or renovate damaged or worn instruments
- restore or reproduce period instruments
- use traditional hand tools and materials
- fit plastic, fibreglass and electronic parts to instruments like electric guitars
- apply finishing techniques such as polishing and varnishing
- tune instruments
Skills needed
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to repair machines or systems
- persistence and determination
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- problem-solving skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- applying directly
- a specialised training course
Career progression
If you work for an instrument making and repair business, you may be able to become a workshop supervisor or manager.
You could also move into product development, buying, sales or training, or specialise in the restoration of antique instruments.