Repairs and Restorations
I repair all fretted instruments and also violin family instruments. I have a full service repair shop and do everything from bridge re-glues, set-ups, broken head-stocks, fret work, electronic work on guitars, refinishing, structural work like top replacement and neck resets. I hot-rod both acoustic guitars and electrics and can do almost any modification you can imagine. Call me or email for more information. I am based in Winnipeg, at 1308 Portage Avenue, in the lower level of Quest Musique. Please call 204-894-3834 to arrange an appointment.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR PRICE LIST:
SET UP & FRET DRESS $125.00+ Strings Includes Neck adjust, action adjustment at nut and saddle, level, crown and polish frets and dress fret ends, tighten tuner screws and nuts, lubricate tuning machines, restring. (12 string - add $25.00) Add $25.00 for finished maple fretboards.
NEW CUSTOM BONE NUT- $65.00 Includes bone nut blank. If your guitar has worn frets, a bowed neck, or an ill fitting saddle, expect additional cost to correct these problems. Many repairman will not install a new nut if other problems are not also addressed.(12 string - add $25.00)
NEW SADDLE- $45.00 may or may not include raw material. Same qualifications as with "new nut".
RE-GLUE BRIDGE- $125.00 Remove and refit old bridge. Very minor touchup included.(12 string bridge- add $25.00) .
REPLACE BRIDGE- $125.00 + cost of factory made bridge ,approx. $30.00 + cost of new saddle (sometimes). (12 string bridge - add $25.00)
HANDMADE BRIDGE- $100.00 and up, by quote. Handmade bridges may be necessary for vintage Gibson, Martin, Guild, and custom bridge replacements. Plus fitment and glue/clamp fee of $125.00
REPLACE TUNERS- $50 and up. Seems like a simple job, but can he fraught with nuanced complications.
RE-FRET- $15.00 per fret, plus the set up charge Add $50 for fretboards with binding. New nut or saddle may be necessary. Shop minimum may also apply.(Add $25.00 for 12 String)
ACOUSTIC GUITAR NECK RESET- $350.00 and up, by quote. We will safely and carefully remove the dovetail neck, refit the neck with the correct pitch, fit appropriate shims, glue and clamp back in correct position. Setup and Fret dress, and new saddle required.
CRACK REPAIR- $25 per inch or by quote (particularly for shattered areas). Cleating (installing small patches of wood inside guitar to reinforce repair) as necessary. Repairs often not invisible.
HEADSTOCK CRACK- $150.00 and up, by quote. Glue, seal and re-finish area. Repairs often not invisible, but finish should be smooth.
INSTALL "UNDER SADDLE" PICK UP - $75.00 - 150.00. Expand endpin hole to accommodate jack. Wire pickup to pre-amp and jack. Fit and re-size old saddle for proper action and contact with pickup. May require new saddle and re-routing of saddle slot (additional). There are other variables relating to pre-amps which must be individually quoted. Condition of bridge and neck angle may be factors in the appropriateness of an under the saddle pickup.
DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM - Shop minimum.
HUMIDIFY GUITAR - Shop minimum. Particularly during the dry times of year, instruments may need to be humidified before repairs and adjustments can be made.
ELECTRIC
SET UP & FRET DRESS $125.00+ Strings Includes Neck adjust, action adjustment at nut and saddle, level, crown and polish frets and dress fret ends, tighten tuner screws and nuts, lubricate tuning machines, , restring.(12 string - add $25.00) Add $25.00 for finished maple fretboards. Clean pots and switches, adjust intonation and action, setup for optimum playability. Floating tremolo and Floyd Rose style may have higher rates.
NEW CUSTOM BONE NUT- $65.00 includes bone blank. If your guitar has worn frets, a bowed neck, or an ill fitting saddle, expect additional cost to correct these problems. Many repairman will not install a new nut if other problems are not also addressed.
REPLACE TUNERS- $50 and up. Seems like a simple job, but can he fraught with nuanced complications.
RE-FRET- 15.00 per fret, plus set up charge. Add $50 for fretboards with binding. Add $50.00 for finished maple fretboards. New nut may be necessary. Shop minimum may also apply.
HEADSTOCK CRACK- $150.00 and up, by quote. Glue, touchup. Repairs often not invisible, but finish should be smooth
FINISH TOUCH UP-$50.00 and up, by quote.
DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM-Shop minimum Most shops will charge a minimum to diagnose electrical problems if work is not performed. Time is money.
REPLACE JACK-$25.00 plus part Note: Archtop guitars will often incur $50.00 upcharge to remove and re-install wiring harness for all electrical work.
REPLACE PICKUP-$50.00 per pickup
REPLACE VOLUME/TONE POT -$25.00 per part, plus part
ROUT NEW POCKET-$50.00 PLUS install pickup price
REPLACE SWITCH-$25.00- $50.00 per switch, plus part.
NECK RE-SET- $350.00 and up. Remove neck. Re-cut heel/body angle to correct high action. Replace neck. New saddle often included, but new nut often extra. Additional fret work and bridge work may also be necessary.(Add $25.00 for 12 string)
Tips:
1.Knowing basic maintenance info will help you keep your instrument in much better playing condition.
Listed below are some tips for keeping your instrument in good shape.1. Bring your instrument in at least once or twice a year for a checkup. If it needs help or not, I’ll tell you what should or could be done.
2. It’s is imperative to keep your instrument humidified during the winter season. I can show you how to make a good humidifier that's free for your case if your house is not humidified. It is very important to check the humidity around your instrument frequently and be sure that the humidifier has water in it- every day is a good habit. If you do that, your instrument should live a long and trouble free life.
3. We advise keeping your instrument in its case when it’s not being used. When an instrument comes in to the shop with a broken neck or headstock, it is often caused by the instrument being accidentally knocking off a stand, sliding off the wall where it was leaning, or falling off a chair or table. Laying it on the floor is not a good plan- many a foot or posterior has found its way through the top of a guitar that was left on the floor!
FAQ
1. How frequently should I change my strings? The truth is that there is not an easy answer for this question. Different people enjoy different tones- some may prefer the open, ringing clarity of a brand new set of strings while other folks prefer the mellow sound of a set of strings that have been played in. The best advice we can offer is that if you feel that your instrument does not have the playability and drive that you expect from it, a restring will often rejuvenate your axe.
2. My guitar is crackling when I adjust the volume or tone knobs. Chances are your potentiometers have become oxidized. They normally don’t have to get replaced, as it’s usually relatively easy to clean them- bring your instrument by the shop and we’ll advise the best course of action.
3. My acoustic guitar bridge is pulling off the guitar. Can it be fixed?Yes. This is relatively common in our punishing climate. An examination in the shop will reveal what has happened and we can tell you what we think should be done.
4. My guitar strings buzz like crazy. What’s the deal? There are various factors that lead to buzzing- it may be caused by nut slot issues, worn frets, poor neck relief, incorrect bridge height or a combination of factors. If a small adjustment will remedy the situation, it can be done during your free instrument examination. If more detailed intervention is required, we can advise you on what needs to be done.
5. My guitar doesn’t make any sound when it’s plugged in. This could be caused by a dirty control or output jack, or possibly by broken wiring. This type of issue is normally easily resolved.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR PRICE LIST:
SET UP & FRET DRESS $125.00+ Strings Includes Neck adjust, action adjustment at nut and saddle, level, crown and polish frets and dress fret ends, tighten tuner screws and nuts, lubricate tuning machines, restring. (12 string - add $25.00) Add $25.00 for finished maple fretboards.
NEW CUSTOM BONE NUT- $65.00 Includes bone nut blank. If your guitar has worn frets, a bowed neck, or an ill fitting saddle, expect additional cost to correct these problems. Many repairman will not install a new nut if other problems are not also addressed.(12 string - add $25.00)
NEW SADDLE- $45.00 may or may not include raw material. Same qualifications as with "new nut".
RE-GLUE BRIDGE- $125.00 Remove and refit old bridge. Very minor touchup included.(12 string bridge- add $25.00) .
REPLACE BRIDGE- $125.00 + cost of factory made bridge ,approx. $30.00 + cost of new saddle (sometimes). (12 string bridge - add $25.00)
HANDMADE BRIDGE- $100.00 and up, by quote. Handmade bridges may be necessary for vintage Gibson, Martin, Guild, and custom bridge replacements. Plus fitment and glue/clamp fee of $125.00
REPLACE TUNERS- $50 and up. Seems like a simple job, but can he fraught with nuanced complications.
RE-FRET- $15.00 per fret, plus the set up charge Add $50 for fretboards with binding. New nut or saddle may be necessary. Shop minimum may also apply.(Add $25.00 for 12 String)
ACOUSTIC GUITAR NECK RESET- $350.00 and up, by quote. We will safely and carefully remove the dovetail neck, refit the neck with the correct pitch, fit appropriate shims, glue and clamp back in correct position. Setup and Fret dress, and new saddle required.
CRACK REPAIR- $25 per inch or by quote (particularly for shattered areas). Cleating (installing small patches of wood inside guitar to reinforce repair) as necessary. Repairs often not invisible.
HEADSTOCK CRACK- $150.00 and up, by quote. Glue, seal and re-finish area. Repairs often not invisible, but finish should be smooth.
INSTALL "UNDER SADDLE" PICK UP - $75.00 - 150.00. Expand endpin hole to accommodate jack. Wire pickup to pre-amp and jack. Fit and re-size old saddle for proper action and contact with pickup. May require new saddle and re-routing of saddle slot (additional). There are other variables relating to pre-amps which must be individually quoted. Condition of bridge and neck angle may be factors in the appropriateness of an under the saddle pickup.
DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM - Shop minimum.
HUMIDIFY GUITAR - Shop minimum. Particularly during the dry times of year, instruments may need to be humidified before repairs and adjustments can be made.
ELECTRIC
SET UP & FRET DRESS $125.00+ Strings Includes Neck adjust, action adjustment at nut and saddle, level, crown and polish frets and dress fret ends, tighten tuner screws and nuts, lubricate tuning machines, , restring.(12 string - add $25.00) Add $25.00 for finished maple fretboards. Clean pots and switches, adjust intonation and action, setup for optimum playability. Floating tremolo and Floyd Rose style may have higher rates.
NEW CUSTOM BONE NUT- $65.00 includes bone blank. If your guitar has worn frets, a bowed neck, or an ill fitting saddle, expect additional cost to correct these problems. Many repairman will not install a new nut if other problems are not also addressed.
REPLACE TUNERS- $50 and up. Seems like a simple job, but can he fraught with nuanced complications.
RE-FRET- 15.00 per fret, plus set up charge. Add $50 for fretboards with binding. Add $50.00 for finished maple fretboards. New nut may be necessary. Shop minimum may also apply.
HEADSTOCK CRACK- $150.00 and up, by quote. Glue, touchup. Repairs often not invisible, but finish should be smooth
FINISH TOUCH UP-$50.00 and up, by quote.
DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM-Shop minimum Most shops will charge a minimum to diagnose electrical problems if work is not performed. Time is money.
REPLACE JACK-$25.00 plus part Note: Archtop guitars will often incur $50.00 upcharge to remove and re-install wiring harness for all electrical work.
REPLACE PICKUP-$50.00 per pickup
REPLACE VOLUME/TONE POT -$25.00 per part, plus part
ROUT NEW POCKET-$50.00 PLUS install pickup price
REPLACE SWITCH-$25.00- $50.00 per switch, plus part.
NECK RE-SET- $350.00 and up. Remove neck. Re-cut heel/body angle to correct high action. Replace neck. New saddle often included, but new nut often extra. Additional fret work and bridge work may also be necessary.(Add $25.00 for 12 string)
Tips:
1.Knowing basic maintenance info will help you keep your instrument in much better playing condition.
Listed below are some tips for keeping your instrument in good shape.1. Bring your instrument in at least once or twice a year for a checkup. If it needs help or not, I’ll tell you what should or could be done.
2. It’s is imperative to keep your instrument humidified during the winter season. I can show you how to make a good humidifier that's free for your case if your house is not humidified. It is very important to check the humidity around your instrument frequently and be sure that the humidifier has water in it- every day is a good habit. If you do that, your instrument should live a long and trouble free life.
3. We advise keeping your instrument in its case when it’s not being used. When an instrument comes in to the shop with a broken neck or headstock, it is often caused by the instrument being accidentally knocking off a stand, sliding off the wall where it was leaning, or falling off a chair or table. Laying it on the floor is not a good plan- many a foot or posterior has found its way through the top of a guitar that was left on the floor!
FAQ
1. How frequently should I change my strings? The truth is that there is not an easy answer for this question. Different people enjoy different tones- some may prefer the open, ringing clarity of a brand new set of strings while other folks prefer the mellow sound of a set of strings that have been played in. The best advice we can offer is that if you feel that your instrument does not have the playability and drive that you expect from it, a restring will often rejuvenate your axe.
2. My guitar is crackling when I adjust the volume or tone knobs. Chances are your potentiometers have become oxidized. They normally don’t have to get replaced, as it’s usually relatively easy to clean them- bring your instrument by the shop and we’ll advise the best course of action.
3. My acoustic guitar bridge is pulling off the guitar. Can it be fixed?Yes. This is relatively common in our punishing climate. An examination in the shop will reveal what has happened and we can tell you what we think should be done.
4. My guitar strings buzz like crazy. What’s the deal? There are various factors that lead to buzzing- it may be caused by nut slot issues, worn frets, poor neck relief, incorrect bridge height or a combination of factors. If a small adjustment will remedy the situation, it can be done during your free instrument examination. If more detailed intervention is required, we can advise you on what needs to be done.
5. My guitar doesn’t make any sound when it’s plugged in. This could be caused by a dirty control or output jack, or possibly by broken wiring. This type of issue is normally easily resolved.