Unless requested otherwise, all instruments serviced go through a rigorous multi-point inspection before the work begins.

Each part or the body and neck is visually inspected and the process is documented to ensure a thorough assessment and determine the best approach for the repair.

Price: Premium inspections are included with more complete services like full setups and repairs, but differ from the initial inspection as they are a lot more thorough and time consuming.

In the past clients have brought me instruments simply to be inspected and/or assessed after, for example, purchasing them online or at a store. As with any service I offer, I charge my bench rate of $60/hour.

I am also happy to provide full assessment reports, with or without pictures or in video format. Those can be useful when, for example, reselling an instrument or trying to argue a return of a recently purchased instrument which does not fit the description or was damaged in shipping.

A premium setup involves a series of adjustments to ensure optimal playability, feel and performance.

A Premium setup includes:

• Premium inspection (see above)

• Restringing

• Tightening of all hardware

• Neck relief / trussrod adjustment

• String height adjustment at nut and saddle

• Intonation / string-length compensation

• Electronic check

• Thorough cleaning

• Oiling of tuning machine gears

• Polishing of nut slots and saddle

• Fret polishing and fretboard conditioning

Price: Usually $150, but it can vary depending on scope of work. For an assessment and estimate get in touch today.

Repairs and restorations differ from setups as they, generally, address more major issues which can’t simply be fixed only with a premium setup.

Certain repairs include (and require) setup work, while others can be performed without. Restorations often aim at bringing an instrument back (or close to) its original state.

Common services include:

• Crack repairs

• Bridge reglues

• Fret leveling

• Brace reglues

• Full refrets

• Shimming or crafting of new nuts and saddles

• Minor finish repairs

Price: It varies depending on scope of work, but before having to commit to getting any work done you will receive a fair and realistic estimate based on the free initial inspection.

Every guitar can be better, but often, “better” is subjective. An instrument that plays just fine for one person might not be someone else’s cup of tea.

An upgrade aims at making an instrument perform or sound better by replacing or adding new parts.

Common services include:

• Pickup Swaps

• Tremolo Blocking

• Rewiring

• Tuner Replacement

• Compensated Saddles

Price: Every upgrade has its own demands and level of difficulty. Like with any of my services I charge a $60 hourly rate. You will receive a fair and realistic estimate after an initial inspection.

Inspections, setups, repairs and restorations are most of what I do, but I am also open to any services related to instrument maintenance, repair and care.

Custom services can include workshops or lessons on anything from restringing to cleaning and more advanced repairs. I will also be happy to act as a Guitar Concierge helping you pick your next instrument from a local store of private seller.

Price: I charge my bench fee of $60/hour, although multiple hour blocks can be negotiated for a discounted rate.

With that being said I am always open for a call, reply to messages promptly and go out of my way to try and provide good information for my clients. I don’t charge for that type of service (I see it as part of “client relations”), as long as the request is reasonable.