FAQs

A case.

I always appreciate instruments being dropping in their case. This minimizes the chance for incidental damage in my workshop. Bring any parts you've purchased, and strings if you have a preference. I have LOTS of strings, so it's only necessary if you want particular gauges/brands.

I don't.

I've worked on all of the big ones (Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, PRS, Taylor, Martin, Guild, Rickenbacker, Gretch, etc.) and some lesser known (Babicz, Maton, Conrad...). I will give you an honest assessment of my confidence on any repair.

That said, my customers tend to range from hobbyists to weekend warriors who play their guitars. Which is to say, I mostly work on players' guitars vs. show pieces.

Absolutely!

Some of my own guitars are mid-century classics. That said, I may pass on extremely delicate or valuable instruments if the risk to the instrument seems too high.

Sure.

You cover shipping and insurance costs. I'd prefer you pack your instrument in wadded up kraft paper or newspaper. Make sure it's tight!

Probably.

An extra $25 or 25%, whichever is higher, will be added to the total price. Based on availability.

Maybe.

An extra $25 or 25%, whichever is higher, will be added to the total price.

For acoustic and electric guitars and basses, a general recommendation is to get a professional setup 1-2 times per year under normal playing conditions. Especially when the seasons change and temperature  and humidity change.

When you might also need a setup:

• Any time you change to a different gauge of strings

• If you're using alternative tunings, or playing in a different style

• Before recording sessions or important performances

Signs your instrument needs attention: 

• Noticeable changes in overall playability/tone

• Buzzing frets

• Iintonation problems

• String height makes playing tough

Other things to consider:

• Bassists need setups slightly more often due to the greater tension on the neck

• Professional musicians who play daily might need quarterly setups

• Instruments kept in stable environments (consistent humidity/temperature) may fewer setups

• Brand new instruments often benefit from a setup after "break in", 3-6 months after purchase

My standard turnaround time is 1-2 weeks. Rush jobs might be possible for $25 or 25%, whichever is higher, add to the total price.

Yes.

This includes dropping down one half-step. When you change the tuning, you are changing the string tension on the neck, which changes a lot of micro-adjustments. When you bring in your guitar, tell me what you're trying to do and I'll make it work for you!

Yes.

Maybe.

I try keep a healthy inventory of commonly used components for guitars and basses in a variety of resistances and sizes. If not, I can usually source what your need pretty fast.

Guitar manufacturers, particularly on imported instruments, will use cheap electronic components to bring down the retail price. When I replace parts, I like to use upgraded components to improve your tone and lengthen the service life, for example Axlabs Potentiometers and Puretone output jacks.

Yes,

I do lots of wiring. Sometimes your components just need to be cleaned. If replacement is what's required, I keep an inventory of parts to turnaround repairs quickly. Sometimes these can be done for a $45 "bench fee" plus parts, if the repair is simple.

Absolutely.

Noisy guitars are usually caused by a disconnected or missing ground wire. Whatever the issue, I can ferret it out and solve it for you.

Yes.

You can supply your own pickups, or I can source them for you. If they don't fit, I can route your body to accommodate the larger size. I can even add a pickup where none was before. That includes coil splitting, blending, adding knobs, etc.

Yes.

I can upgrade or downgrade your instrument's electronics to your specifications. You can source and supply your own parts and wiring diagram, or I can find them for you.

Well first... a "fret job" can mean a lot of things:

Fret Dressing
Clean and polish the frets, removing very small pits or imperfections. Some spot leveling of clearly uneven frets may be involved. Most guitars could use this if they have been played for a while without service.

Fret Level & Crown
Make sure all frets are the same height, the right shape, and free from any sharp edges or imperfections. If you see plenty of deep pits or impressions, flattened or "mashed" frets, or are experiencing muting or buzzing in isolated places on the fretboard, this might be what you need.

Fret Replacement
Remove some (or preferably all) frets, level the fingerboard, and replace with brand new fret wire. When fret height creeps below .040", there's really not enough room left to sand anything off. This is major surgery, but sometimes it's just what's needed.

Sure.

If that's what you want. But it's more expensive to install, and to maintain. Also, they feel different. Be sure to try a guitar with SS frets before you commit.

Yes, and no. 

I can repair most cracks to make a guitar playable and secure. I am not offerig re-finishing right now, so the aesthetics of a repair may be lacking.

Yes, and no.

I can repair the instrument, but I am not currently offering re-finishing work, so the repair will be noticeable.

Wow.

That's a challenging place for a break. It really depends on the break, and your expectations. Hard to say without seeing it in person.

Probably.

Sometimes a bridge separation on the back side is due to a "belly bulge" which is a fast, minimally invasive repair. Hard to say without seeing it in person.