Dedication

Most instrument repair operations are a sideline for a guitar builder, or a guitar retailer. Not me. I don’t build guitars. I don’t sell guitars, or even accessories. I just repair and upgrade stringed instruments, pretty much all of them. 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 for each instrument.

Passion

I freakin' love guitars, and basically anything with strings. My life has been tumultious, 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. Allow me to cherish the opportunity to restore, and probably improve, the instrument that brings you joy. It's my pleasure.

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.

Usually, the answer is YES. I'll list a few common inquires:

• Action too high... yes!
• String buzz... yes!
• No output from my pickups – yes!
• Bridge lifting or detached – yes!
• Crack in the side/top/back of my acoustic? – yes!
• Headstock break – yes!
• Broken truss rod – yes!

Quick stuff, on the spot. If it's a simple fix — action tweak, buzz, a quick electronics check — I can usually knock it out in under an hour while you watch, for a premium on-site rate. Ask when you call.

Real projects, real time. Anything more involved goes on the bench and gets the attention it actually needs. I won't promise a delivery date I can't keep. I'll give you an honest estimate up front, and I'll tell you if I can work around a deadline — but the goal is always getting it right, not getting it back to you fast.

I'm located in Colchester, Vermont – specifically Mallets Bay, just above the New North End of Burlington. My workshop is in the basement of my home – access through the garage.

My customers come from all over Northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Shelburne, Charlotte, Milton, Westford, Fairfax, Georgia, St. Albans, Swanton, Hinesburg, Richmond, Vergennes, Middlebury, Bristol, Waterbury, Morrisville, Stowe, Johnson, Grand Isle, South Hero, and all the towns in between.

I also serve the Northern New York corridor — Plattsburgh, Peru, Chazy, Rouses Point, and Lake Placid among others. Options are limited over there, so players make the trip across Lake Champlain via the Charlotte–Essex ferry. If you're coming from New York, call ahead and I'll schedule enough bench time to turn your job around the same day — no second crossing required.

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. I will inspect your guitar carefully. I often take measurements. I'll share my diagnosis and the estimate for labor and parts, plus any options. I am always happy to spend extra time answering questions and explaining stuff.

Schedule an estimate now >>

Note: If you are looking for a professional "second opinion" or some kind of insurance valuation or other similar kind of consultation work, that will bill at my current labor rate.

Prices and rates are mentioned throughout this website, but are gathered on the Prices page.

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

I have also repaired mandolins, banjos, ukeleles... even a strum stick. If it's a popular stringed instrument, I'm probably able to help you. I do not work on violins, violas or cellos.

I have spent many bench hours working on the major brands – Alvarez, ESP/LTD, Fender/Squire, Gretsch, Gibson/Epiphone, Ibanez, Martin, Paul Reed Smith (PRS), Takamine, Taylor, Yamaha... I probably missed a few. I have also worked on many rare or lesser-known brands like Framus, Maton, Laravie, Greco, Sire, Tiesco and many more.

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