Dedication

Most instrument repair operations are a sideline for a guitar builder, or a guitar retailer. Not me. I don’t build guitars, and I don’t sell guitars, or even accessories. I just do repairs and upgrades. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. You will get honest, focused attention from me every time.

Precision

Guitar repair is not an art. Action is math. Finishes are material science. Floating bridges are physics and mechanics. If anything can be called art, it's understanding how to tease out the sweet spot. No guitar is perfect, and every piece of wood is as unique as any living thing. I leverage both sides of my brain to make the best possible choices based on a holistic understanding of how your instrument works.

Passion

I freakin' love guitars, and basically anything with strings. My life has been a rough ride, and playing guitar has always grounded me. It makes absolutely no difference to me what you play, or what condition it's in when it arrives. I relish the opportunity to restore, and probably improve, the instrument that brings you joy.

Integrity

I'm a straight shooter. If I f***k up, I will tell you. You can count on me to do the right thing. Now, that does not mean I will always hit my deadline and/or come in under budget. What I will do is communicate, so that there are no big surprises.

YES to just about every playability issue like action, buzzing, intonation, etc.

YES to most any electronics or pickup issue.

YES to many structural repairs like lifting bridges, simple headstock breaks, scratches, cracks and neck issues.

When I pass on a project, it’s usually based on risk: high value guitars and/or a complex repair better handled by a guitar builder.

I can complete setups, restringing, and some simple repairs while you wait—or you can drop off and pick up your instrument the same day.

Tougher repairs and old guitar restorations (which often require several repairs) will stay in the shop for a while. Some instruments can get serviced and returned in a few weeks. Some repairs can take months. When a job needs more time, it gets more time. Also, many jobs require extended dry time(s), especially if any finish repair is involved. I often have several repairs running at once, but it may take time to get yours started.

People who repair guitars tend to be quite busy. Especially if they are any good at it. There aren’t many of us. It’s not glamorous work, nor is it terribly lucrative. It’s a craft that requires a lot of heart, and a lot of tools. Please accept that I give 100% focus to every instrument that comes across my bench, and that takes time.

Yes, it's my pleasure to offer a free estimate for your job. I will need to see the instrument in person at my shop. While you wait, I will investigate and diagnose your problem. We will discuss what I find, all of your options, and the prices.

Check out the Pricing page

The bulk of my work is acoustic guitars, electric guitars and bass guitars.

I also repair mandolins, banjos, ukuleles... even a strum stick.

I do not work on violins, violas, cellos and the like.

I have a factory relationship with Martin Guitars and Taylor Guitars

Many bench hours have been spent staring down at major brands like Alvarez, ESP/LTD, Fender/Squire, Gretsch, Gibson/Epiphone, Ibanez, Paul Reed Smith (PRS), Takamine, and Yamaha. I have also worked on many rare or lesser-known brands like Firch, Framus, Maton, Laravie, Greco, Sire, Tiesco and many more. I always love seeing something new.

Yes, I am affiliated with Taylor Guitars. I can order parts, handle warranty claims and access their techs and resources for help.