SDFWA

San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association

Local Tours

June 2026 Shop Tour

Hugh Elliott’s home shop in Cardiff

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: 1354 Rubenstein Ave, Cardiff by the sea, Ca 92007 (Map)

Notes: The shop is the second drive on the left as you come down the street but people should park along the south side of the street anywhere and just walk down to the shop. If I could ask that they not park or block any of the neighbors driveways. My property is the one with the Japanese fence and the shop is at the bottom of the property.

September 2026 Shop Tour

Taylor Guitars

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: 1980 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, CA 92020 (Map)

Note 1: This tour is limited to 30 attendees. There will be a ProClass signup.

Note 2: This tour has been rescheduled from April. Those members who signed up for the original tour will be given the first opportunity to signup for this tour.

Taylor Guitars (Web Site) was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, and has grown into the leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars. Renowned for blending modern, innovative manufacturing techniques with a master craftsman’s attention to detail, Taylor acoustic guitars are widely considered among the best-sounding and easiest to play in the world. The company is a pioneer in the use of computer mills, lasers and other high-tech tools and proprietary machinery, and today, Bob Taylor is widely recognized throughout the musical instrument industry as the visionary acoustic guitar manufacturer.

Today, Taylor employs over 1,200 people and produces hundreds of guitars per day exclusively in two factory complexes in the U.S and Mexico: El Cajon, California, and in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. (Taylor does not manufacture any guitars in Asia.) The company maintains an active dealer network, with Taylor guitars sold through hundreds of retail locations in North America and with international distribution to 60 countries, including a distribution warehouse and factory service center in the Netherlands.

Their site has a wealth of information about what goes into making a Taylor guitar and how to make this very important decision. They have guides for how to find the right fit for you. Learn about the subtle differences in shapes and styles. Delve into different types of woods and construction, which are vital to the flavor and tone of an acoustic. Explore the Taylor line by series to find the look and style you want for your instrument.

This was an incredible opportunity to learn about the sound of wood in guitars, and to see the inside production of one of the worlds leading guitar makers!  Tuesday, September 16th, thirty SDFWA Members enjoyed a professional, guided tour of the Taylor Guitar factory in El Cajon. What a place!

Taylor produces (brace yourself) about 1,000 perfect, new guitars…..each day! What was truly impressive was seeing the dozens of dedicated employee/owners crafting each one with incredible attention to detail.  SDFWA Members in attendance had a great opportunity to see and ask questions about the glues used, finishing procedures, the importance of humidity in the shop, and much more.

Thanks again to Jean Eichenlaub for organizing this tour.

Past Tours

Local Tour: Taylor Guitars

Tuesday, September 16, time tbd

Taylor Guitars
1980 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, CA 92020

Taylor acoustic guitars are widely considered among the best in the world. Renowned for blending modern, innovative manufacturing techniques with a master craftsman’s attention to detail, the company is a pioneer in the use of computer mills, lasers and other high-tech tools and proprietary machinery.

This is a unique opportunity, hope to see you there!

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Craftsman Referral Terms

BACKGROUND
The San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association (SDFWA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the education, promotion, and execution of the principles of fine woodworking.
The SDFWA frequently receives requests from people seeking the service of a woodworker. Therefore, although custom woodworking for hire is not the purpose of our organization, we offer this referral service to the public so that they might connect with a woodworker.

SCOPE
SDFWA does not screen or warrant the skills or work of any craftsman. The public should use their own discretion and due diligence before hiring any craftsman, from any source, including this one.
The sole role of SDFWA in this referral service is limited to providing our member woodworkers with your completed form. It is up to each craftsman to initiate a contact with the requester.

PROCEDURE
After a requester submits a project, the form will be emailed to our list of participating craftsmen. If a craftsman is interested in the project, they will contact the client directly, and a two-way conversation can begin.

As the craftsmen themselves choose which projects to respond to, this means that it is probable that some project requests will receive no response. If you do not receive a response in a reasonable time, please submit your request again, using the provided referral form.
Note that contacting SDFWA directly will not achieve the desired results.

DISCLAIMER
By agreeing to these Terms, and by continuing to submit this Referral Form, and by utilizing one or more of the services of any of these craftsmen, you are agreeing to contract exclusively with that individual craftsman and to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the SDFWA Organization, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers from any and all claims, injuries, damages, losses or suits including attorney fees, arising out of or in connection with the performance of this agreement, and any and all failures, damages, or otherwise negative outcomes caused directly or indirectly by the craftsmen you employ to do any project initiated by this Form. This does not preclude you from pursuing legal remedies from the individual craftsman that you employ. But any remedy you pursue is restricted to that individual craftsman, and does not include the SDFWA organization or any of its volunteer members.

Agree
Disagree