Guitar Repair Services
Below you can find a list of guitar repair services offered with estimated prices. Because every instrument is unique, I give you a detailed estimate in person at your drop off appointment - after I've had the guitar on the bench and can properly assess the job.
String Change
Guitar string changes start at $35 for labor and include an optional string change lesson. Cost of strings/material not included. D'Addario XL strings kept in stock for the following gauges:
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Electric: Nickel Wound 9-42 & 10-46
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Acoustic: Phosphor Bronze 12-53
If you want different strings, please bring them with you at drop off or specify your special order in the intake form.
Electric Guitar String Change (Hard-Tail Bridge): $35
Electric Guitar String Change (Non-Floyd Rose Tremolo): $35
Electric Guitar String Change (Floyd Rose/Locking Nut): $50
6-String Acoustic String Change: $35
12-String Acoustic String Change: $47
Nylon String Classical String Change: $45
All prices assume 6-strings unless otherwise stated. Add $2 per additional string.
Standard Setup
A high-quality, no-fuss setup designed to get your guitar playing great with minimal back-and-forth. Your guitar will be adjusted to universal specifications focused on clean playability and balanced tone.
Includes a 15–20 minute drop-off to confirm basic preferences.
Acoustic guitars: Action is set as low as possible while avoiding buzz when played with a reasonable touch.
Electric guitars: Choose your preferred tradeoff — maximum ease of play, maximum clarity (buzz-free), or somewhere in between.
This setup is ideal if you want great results without an involved custom fitting process.
Prices subject to change and include labor only. Cost of strings/material not included. D'Addario XL strings kept in stock for the following gauges:
-
Electric: Nickel Wound 9-42 & 10-46
-
Acoustic: Phosphor Bronze 12-53
If you want different strings, please bring them with you at drop off or specify your special order in the intake form.
Electric Guitar Setup (Hard-Tail Bridge): $90
Electric Guitar Setup (Non-Floyd Rose Tremolo): $99
Electric Guitar Setup (Floyd Rose/Locking Nut): $110
6-String Acoustic Guitar Setup: $80
12-String Acoustic Guitar Setup: $110
Nylon String Classical Guitar Setup: $80
All setup prices assume 6-strings unless otherwise stated. Add $5 per additional string.
Tailored Setup
Starts at $175, includes labor only. Cost of strings/material not included.
For players who want their guitar dialed in to their unique touch and preferences. This personalized process includes more time, communication, and fine-tuning over multiple visits.
Drop-Off Appointment (~1 hour):
You’ll play for me, show how you pick and fret, and explain what you’re after. We’ll discuss key tradeoffs like buzz vs action, playability vs tone, and more. This helps shape the ideal setup for your playing style.
Test Drive (30 min):
You test the completed setup. If you’re happy, you take it home. If not, we make revisions.
Final Pickup (if needed):
Final pickup after adjustments. Future revision visits are $35.
Fretwork
Proper fretwork improves playability, intonation, and overall feel. Pricing varies depending on whether the fingerboard is unfinished, finished, bound, or has other complexities.
Fret Level, Crown & Polish: starts at $175
Refret: starts at $360 + cost of fretwire
Spot Level: minimum $26/fret
Additional charges apply for finished or bound fingerboards.
Nut or Saddle Work
Upgrade your stock plastic nuts and saddles to a hand-crafted bone material. Bone is an all-around better material for durability, sustain, tuning stability, and aesthetics. This is a recommendation I commonly make as one of the most advantageous upgrades to improve any guitar with plastic hardware.
Prices include labor only and are starting estimates. Materials are charged at cost with the choice of either bone or TUSQ.
Nut or Saddle Replacement (includes carving from blank to custom fit your guitar):
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6-string*: $100 + materials
*+$10 per additional string
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12-string: $160 + materials
Electronics
Electronics work is charged at $2.25/minute + parts/materials. Guitar electronics work is a nuanced job and prices will vary due to a variety of factors including state of prior work and level of customization.
Hardware
Installation of replacement hardware parts to keep your guitar playing reliably.
Replace Tuners: $45 (assumes 6-string)
Replace Electric Guitar Bridge: starts at $45, varies if modifications or drilling are required.
Prices cover labor only; parts are supplied by the customer or purchased separately.
Inquire directly for pricing on installing hardware not listed.
Preamp Installation
Professional installation of onboard preamps for acoustic guitars. Work may include drilling for jacks, battery boxes, or cutting into the guitar’s side depending on the system.
Acoustic Preamp Install: Labor starts at $75
Pricing varies by preamp type and whether drilling or side-cutting is required.
Headstock Repair
Broken or cracked headstocks are one of the most common major guitar injuries and fully repairable with the right approach.
Standard Re-glue Headstock Repair: starts at $150
Headstock Repair with Splines for Reinforcement: starts at $200
These prices are estimates and cover labor for structural repair only. Cosmetic finish work to blend the repair and make it less visible is available at additional cost, which varies depending on the guitar’s finish type and complexity.
Bridge Repair
A proper bridge repair ensures the guitar’s top and bridge are securely joined for tone, stability, and long-term reliability. Work involves carefully heating and removing the bridge, cleaning old glue and wood fibers, prepping both surfaces, and reattaching for a solid bond.
Acoustic Bridge Removal & Replacement: Labor starts at $300
Acoustic Bridge Re-glue (if already separated): Labor starts at $200
Additional costs may apply if there is damage to the soundboard or bridge plate, or if the top shows excessive belly bulge that requires correction before re-gluing.
Neck Reset
Over time, a guitar may require a neck reset to restore the proper neck angle for playability and structural integrity. This process involves carefully removing and re-setting the neck for the correct geometry.
Neck Reset: Labor starts at $350
Final cost varies depending on the guitar’s construction, finish, and any underlying issues that must be addressed to achieve a stable reset.
Truss Rod Repair
When a truss rod fails, repair often requires major work to access and replace the rod, typically involving removal of the fingerboard.
Truss Rod Repair/Replacement: Labor starts at $350
Pricing depends on the guitar’s construction, finish, and the extent of disassembly required.
Finish Work
Small dents, dings, and chips can often be repaired with drop fills using CA glue or lacquer, followed by careful sanding and buffing to restore the surface.
Guitar Finish Drop Fill Repairs: Labor starts at $200
Pricing increases with the complexity, number of dents, and overall surface area being restored.
*Limited scope of work accepted. I recommend giving me a call to discuss the finish type before scheduling drop off to confirm your guitar has a finish I'm able to work with. Jobs requiring finish work are subject to a longer turnaround time - expect 6 weeks minimum to allow for drying/curing time.
Custom Modifications
Custom routing and modifications allow for new electronics, hardware changes, or unique design needs. Work may include pickup cavities, control cavities, or other body alterations.
Guitar Cavity Routing and Body Modifications: Labor starts at $100
Final cost depends on the complexity of the job, the guitar’s construction, and finish considerations.