Repair Services

Don't see the service you need listed?

If your instrument has a problem, or if it's just not sounding or playing the way you'd like it to, give me a call or send me an email.  My shop is set up to perform repair work of all kinds, as well as new part fabrication.  My experience ranges from performing basic setups and fretwork, all the way to constructing a bridge, fretboard, neck - or even the entire guitar - out of the raw wood.  Whatever the problem, we can find a solution.

Call or email for information on finishes.

All set-ups include a 30-day warranty.

A proper set-up is essential for ANY instrument to perform to it's full potential.  Without a proper set-up, a $2000 guitar might as well be a $100 "eBay Special".

The easiest upgrade you can make to a guitar is to install a bone nut.  Bone gives a bright, clear, and detailed sound - much better tone than that plastic nut that came from the factory.    Bone = Tone!

I recommend bone and always keep white and vintage (ivory colored) bone blanks on hand - HOWEVER - I also offer Brass, Corian, Graphite, and Tusq nuts - email me about availability and pricing.

Three big problems with the stock nut at right:

1. The string slots are too large for the strings.

2. It's made of plastic - talk about a tone killer.

3. It's HOLLOW!!! - Seriously, how does air help with transferring string vibrations?

Plastic is bad enough, but hollow plastic?  Just how much money do companies need to make?  Less quality for you, more money for them.

  Want your guitar to really play in tune?  Get Feitenized!

Check out my Buzz Fetien page for more information!

Fret Dress, Fret Mill, Grind and Polish, Fret Level, Crowning, etc. They all refer to the same basic process of precision aligning the tops of the frets in a uniform plane.  This is a must for low, buzz-free action.

For Stainless Steel Fretwire,  add $50 to "Fret Job" pricing below.

How will a fret dress help your guitar?  Take a look at the pictures below.  The one on the left shows three very worn frets.  The photo on the right shows those same frets after having a fret dress.  Worn spots throw the intonation off, which makes the guitar play out of tune.  Additionally, low spots (or high spots, depending on how you look at it) can cause strings to buzz and require a higher action.  A fret dress will level all the frets to a uniform plane, eliminating high and low spots, and the frets are crowned, assuring proper intonation.  Ask any of my customers who've had it done if it makes a difference to their guitars.

John, 

I just wanted to thank you again for the fantastic job you did on my Tele and Les Paul. I thought I knew what it was like to play a reasonably well set up guitar until I played those two all day yesterday.

What difference! I almost think it makes me a better player. I cannot thank you enough...for all your sweet work and attention to detail. It is a lost art.

M.M.

Wiring should be neatly done, using the correct type of wire - i.e.; vintage Fender should use cloth push/pull wire in the correct colors.  Solder should be shiny and never dull.  Wires should be long enough to get the job done, and not much longer.

Most of this is going to obviously pertain to acoustic instruments, but there are a few things that would also apply to an electric or arch-top guitar.  Again, if there's something specific you're looking for, don't hesitate to either email me or call - I can pretty much handle any repair that you'll need.