Biography

In the Beginning

Robert “Robbie” O’Brien began his guitar building career in São Paulo, Brazil in 1997. For three years, Robbie built classical guitars under Antonio Tessarin, who remains one of Brazil’s most highly sought after luthiers. While still living in Brazil and upon returning to the United States, Robbie studied acoustic guitar building under Kent Everett in Atlanta, GA. He has also studied in Spain with renowned classical guitar builder José Romanillos.

Program Director of Lutherie

In 2003, Robbie founded the Lutherie Program in the Fine Woodworking Department at Red Rocks Community College in Denver, CO. He developed the program into one of the largest lutherie schools in the United States. By the end of his tenure in 2012, the course list had expanded from a single classical guitar building class to include classes in acoustic guitar, electric guitar, archtop guitar, mandolin, violin, guitar setup & repair, French polish, high gloss finishes and inlay.

Teaching Guitar Building and Finishing

One of Robbie’s greatest passions in lutherie is teaching. He has taught in Taiwan, Spain, Canada, Brazil, Italy and the United States, including at the world renowned Marc Adams School of Woodworking. He offers building and finishing classes, as well as master classes, adding other renowned luthiers to the teaching roster as well. In addition, Robbie holds one-on-one and small group guitar building and finishing classes in his personal shop. He also offers consultations to individuals and small groups wanting help with their guitar building.

To date, Robbie has personally supervised the building of well over 1000 guitars made by students in Colorado, from teenagers to retirees. Several of his students relocated to Colorado specifically to study with him.

As a teacher, Robbie’s influence extends internationally. The DVDs that Robbie made for his early students, and more recently his online courses have guided thousands more guitar builders from around the world, helping them realize the goal of building their own instrument.

Several years ago, Robbie introduced the popular “Luthier Tips du Jour” instructional video series, which is available free on YouTube. Viewings have topped 11 million.

More recently, Robbie created the Lutherie Academy, an online portal to all things lutherie related. In addition to free videos and other resources, you will find over 50 online courses created by himself and other leading professionals in the lutherie industry. These courses have helped amateur and professional luthiers around the world become better at their craft.

Custom Guitars

Robbie designs, builds and sells custom classical, flamenco, steel string and electric guitars. His guitars are built one at a time to the specifications of each client. Robbie offers custom wood selections, including Brazilian Rosewood. Options including cutaway designs and sound ports are also available. A high gloss finish is standard for his steel string guitars and French polish is standard on his classical guitars.

Guitar Building Chat Group

Robbie hosts and actively participates in a Google Chat Group on guitar building. It is limited to past and present students, including those taking online courses. Members also include friends with careers in lutherie. Participants hail from the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, Asia and Australia.

Robbie lives with his wife and children in Parker, CO. He is fluent in Portuguese.

Luthier on Luthier Podcast

On episode 14, Michael Bashkin interviewed Robbie for the podcast Luthier on Luthier. You can listen to the full episode here:
https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcast/luthier-on-luthier-robbie-obrien/