Ever wondered why that 1959 J160 sounds better than the 1984 Alvarez? Or why a mandolin sounds the way it does? This class is intended to help you understand how the shape, materials and design of a fretted instrument affects its tone and playability. Understanding the basic mechanics, physics and other variables of a stringed instrument will help you understand how the music is made and get you on your way to designing an instrument. If you wish to take the Build Your Own Guitar class you should take this class first. Anyone is welcome to learn more about what makes their favorite old music maker tick. We'll even have a listening session to compare some fine and not-so-fine instruments.