Services

A man playing an electric guitar on stage with green and white lighting.

“My guitar genuinely feels better now than it has since I got it. I’m super, super happy with it.”

Josh Thom - Client

Services

Below you will find a list of the services I provide. Click on each item for more information.

Close-up of the surface of a big crack on the back of a guitar made of Brazilian rosewood.
Close-up of a guitar being fixed due to a big back crack.
The back of a wooden acoustic guitar with a crack bring glued.
The back of an acoustic guitar with a crack being fixed and the finish being sanded.
Back of a guitar on a work table after a back crack repair.

  • 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.

The Process

1.

Get In touch

Send me a message to request more information, book a visit or to get your instrument picked up at home.

2.

Inspection and Estimate

Once an initial (and free) in-person inspection is performed you will receive a realistic and fair estimate.

3.

Service

After the estimate provided has been accepted, the work can start - often within hours.

4.

Pickup or Delivery

You will receive a message once your instrument is ready for pick up or drop off, and for your examination.

Gallery: Repairs and Restorations

  • Close-up of an a Devoe acrhtop guitar with an ebony bridge and tailpiece.

    Devoe 7-String Archtop > A challenging brace reglue

  • A wooden electric guitar resting on a wooden stand on an orange tablecloth with a leaf pattern, against a gray wall background.

    Cardinal Zenith > Fret level and new nut

  • An acoustic guitar being sanded, with sanding tools, a pile of wood shavings, and masking tape on the guitar and workspace.

    1973 Jose Ramirez > "Spanish neck reset"

  • The shadow of a window with multiple rectangular panes is cast onto a surface illuminated by an orange light, creating a pattern of rectangles and lines.

    Luiz Keller 7-String > Bridge reglue

Watch Videos

How Can I Help You?

Use the form or call 978-609-6140 to request a free estimate, ask questions or simply get in touch with comments or suggestions.

I will answer your message as soon as possible.