Frequently Asked (or wanted to ask) Questions.
How much will it cost to repair my guitar?
I have listed some common jobs on the “Repair” page, for anything else we will need to discuss what is required. Call me for free advice and an estimate. If you want to send some digital pictures then I can give you a an idea of what work is required and the likely cost.
What is a “Set-up”
It’s not me conning you into something! To have a guitar "set-up" means to have it adjusted so that you find it comfortable to play and just as importantly have it play "in tune" at each fret. Even new guitars often arrive in a state that makes them difficult to play because they are sent from the factory to many parts of the world where the humidity may be very different. Most players recognise a set-up as the way in which the strings align with the frets, fingerboard nut and bridge. Certain adjustments are critical for optimum “playability” and these can be measured at key positions (often called “the action”). What is often called a guitars' "setup" varies considerably with many factors including the type of guitar, your playing style and technique, the music you play, the gauge of the strings etc. etc. Setup is a big compromise between play-ability and "buzz control". You can't play a low action as hard as a higher one! Also don't be persuaded that an electric guitar tech can necessarily setup an acoustic guitar well; they are very different animals. Ask your repair man if he knows the difference!
My guitar is buzzing a lot, what's the problem?
This could be caused by many things but the commonest is strings buzzing on metal frets! Your guitar will need to be examined to find out the exact cause, but this problem can be brought about by worn or lifting frets, flat-topped frets, an action that is too low, a neck that is either too flat or too curved because the truss-rod may be too tight or slack etc. etc. Best to give me a call and ask for advice.
My guitar just won't play in tune and some chords sound just awful!
First you need to accept that the position of the frets along a fingerboard is a compromise between what is tonally correct and what is physically possible. The Equal Tempered Scale demands that errors are equalised along the fingerboard and some notes will be pure while others will be slightly sharp or flat. The only "pure" and correct notes will be the open string and the harmonic at the the 12th fret, this should also coincide with the position of the 12th fret but may not! The length of the string and position of the string nut and saddle with respect to the frets is absolutely critical. On an electric guitar the string length adjustment is usually provided at the bridge saddles, but on an acoustic guitar the correct placing of the saddle is determined during manufacture. This problem is another example where advice is critical - give me a call.
What is a refret?
It mainly consists of replacing all the frets on the fingerboard. I often find however that the fingerboard also needs resurfacing and sometimes repairing, before new frets can be installed. It is not uncommon to find that the nut will also need to be adjusted or replaced in order to work with the new frets. Your acoustic guitar will probably also need a saddle adjustment or replacement.
What fret wire do you use?
I use the best quality fret-wire which I ship directly from the USA or Europe. The most common wire measures 2.0 mm wide and 1.0 mm tall, but several sizes are available. I do not use or recommend Stainless Steel wire.
The strings are very high on my (old) steel-string guitar, can you adjust it?
It may be possible to make adjustments to ease the problem but the load imposed by the strings of a steel-string guitar is quite massive at around 120 lbf, and after many years this causes the neck to lift and the body to distort, raising the strings high over the fingerboard. Your guitar may need what is called a "neck reset" This is a tricky job that requires the neck to be removed and reset at a different angle then re-glued. It is quite invasive, time consuming and costly but for cherished, vintage guitars may be the only solution to making them playable. You may also need more than a reset; a refret or fret leveling is typically also required sometimes a new saddle is also necessary. You would be wise to have me examine this problem to see what can be done.
How long will it take to repair my guitar?
That depends on the complexity of the repairs and how busy I am when you are ready to have the work done. Most jobs will take several days as operations are often consecutive and drying time must often be allowed for. Finish repair or Shellac French Polishing is very time consuming and can take many weeks.
Can you do urgent repair work?
Yes. I do understand that musicians often need instruments for performance or recording commitments, in these circumstances I can turn-round quick repairs by arrangement but it may cost a little more.
Can I send you my guitar for repair?
Yes, I can arrange a courier to collect and deliver your guitar if required but this can be VERY expensive. Valuable instruments require insuring and this means a single trip can cost up to £60 in the UK! It is much better for both of us if you can bring your instrument to my workshop where we can discuss the work needed. Instruments can sometimes be collected by arrangement but I usually have to charge for this.
Do you refinish guitars?
No. I only do touch-in lacquer finish work that’s related to other repairs e.g crack repair. I also do not recommend re-finishing guitars as this can be detrimental to the instrument and can considerably affect its value. French Polish can readily be touched-up and this is sometimes necessary to protect the instrument.
What type of pickups do you recommend for acoustic guitars?
This is covered in some detail on the “Acoustic Pickups” page, but if you wish I am happy to discuss your requirements and offer my advice.
What type of strings do you use?
I usually request customers to bring a set of their own preferred strings with the guitar for repair. I do stock D’Addario phosphor bronze strings and have used these reliably for many years.
How can I prevent my guitar from developing cracks?
The overwhelming majority of cracks (and lifting bridges) are caused by inadequate humidity. Exposing your instrument to a low humidity can cause the woods to shrink and change shape, which can lead to cracking and a host of other problems. It's extremely important to be aware of the humidity where you store your instrument. NEVER in lofts, garages or by radiators!
How do I adjust my truss rod?
If you don’t know what you are doing you would be advised to leave it alone! If you break it you’re in for an expensive repair or the bin! Whatever you do don’t just turn it to lower the action it’s not there for that! Call me and discuss the problem before you touch anything!
I have listed some common jobs on the “Repair” page, for anything else we will need to discuss what is required. Call me for free advice and an estimate. If you want to send some digital pictures then I can give you a an idea of what work is required and the likely cost.
What is a “Set-up”
It’s not me conning you into something! To have a guitar "set-up" means to have it adjusted so that you find it comfortable to play and just as importantly have it play "in tune" at each fret. Even new guitars often arrive in a state that makes them difficult to play because they are sent from the factory to many parts of the world where the humidity may be very different. Most players recognise a set-up as the way in which the strings align with the frets, fingerboard nut and bridge. Certain adjustments are critical for optimum “playability” and these can be measured at key positions (often called “the action”). What is often called a guitars' "setup" varies considerably with many factors including the type of guitar, your playing style and technique, the music you play, the gauge of the strings etc. etc. Setup is a big compromise between play-ability and "buzz control". You can't play a low action as hard as a higher one! Also don't be persuaded that an electric guitar tech can necessarily setup an acoustic guitar well; they are very different animals. Ask your repair man if he knows the difference!
My guitar is buzzing a lot, what's the problem?
This could be caused by many things but the commonest is strings buzzing on metal frets! Your guitar will need to be examined to find out the exact cause, but this problem can be brought about by worn or lifting frets, flat-topped frets, an action that is too low, a neck that is either too flat or too curved because the truss-rod may be too tight or slack etc. etc. Best to give me a call and ask for advice.
My guitar just won't play in tune and some chords sound just awful!
First you need to accept that the position of the frets along a fingerboard is a compromise between what is tonally correct and what is physically possible. The Equal Tempered Scale demands that errors are equalised along the fingerboard and some notes will be pure while others will be slightly sharp or flat. The only "pure" and correct notes will be the open string and the harmonic at the the 12th fret, this should also coincide with the position of the 12th fret but may not! The length of the string and position of the string nut and saddle with respect to the frets is absolutely critical. On an electric guitar the string length adjustment is usually provided at the bridge saddles, but on an acoustic guitar the correct placing of the saddle is determined during manufacture. This problem is another example where advice is critical - give me a call.
What is a refret?
It mainly consists of replacing all the frets on the fingerboard. I often find however that the fingerboard also needs resurfacing and sometimes repairing, before new frets can be installed. It is not uncommon to find that the nut will also need to be adjusted or replaced in order to work with the new frets. Your acoustic guitar will probably also need a saddle adjustment or replacement.
What fret wire do you use?
I use the best quality fret-wire which I ship directly from the USA or Europe. The most common wire measures 2.0 mm wide and 1.0 mm tall, but several sizes are available. I do not use or recommend Stainless Steel wire.
The strings are very high on my (old) steel-string guitar, can you adjust it?
It may be possible to make adjustments to ease the problem but the load imposed by the strings of a steel-string guitar is quite massive at around 120 lbf, and after many years this causes the neck to lift and the body to distort, raising the strings high over the fingerboard. Your guitar may need what is called a "neck reset" This is a tricky job that requires the neck to be removed and reset at a different angle then re-glued. It is quite invasive, time consuming and costly but for cherished, vintage guitars may be the only solution to making them playable. You may also need more than a reset; a refret or fret leveling is typically also required sometimes a new saddle is also necessary. You would be wise to have me examine this problem to see what can be done.
How long will it take to repair my guitar?
That depends on the complexity of the repairs and how busy I am when you are ready to have the work done. Most jobs will take several days as operations are often consecutive and drying time must often be allowed for. Finish repair or Shellac French Polishing is very time consuming and can take many weeks.
Can you do urgent repair work?
Yes. I do understand that musicians often need instruments for performance or recording commitments, in these circumstances I can turn-round quick repairs by arrangement but it may cost a little more.
Can I send you my guitar for repair?
Yes, I can arrange a courier to collect and deliver your guitar if required but this can be VERY expensive. Valuable instruments require insuring and this means a single trip can cost up to £60 in the UK! It is much better for both of us if you can bring your instrument to my workshop where we can discuss the work needed. Instruments can sometimes be collected by arrangement but I usually have to charge for this.
Do you refinish guitars?
No. I only do touch-in lacquer finish work that’s related to other repairs e.g crack repair. I also do not recommend re-finishing guitars as this can be detrimental to the instrument and can considerably affect its value. French Polish can readily be touched-up and this is sometimes necessary to protect the instrument.
What type of pickups do you recommend for acoustic guitars?
This is covered in some detail on the “Acoustic Pickups” page, but if you wish I am happy to discuss your requirements and offer my advice.
What type of strings do you use?
I usually request customers to bring a set of their own preferred strings with the guitar for repair. I do stock D’Addario phosphor bronze strings and have used these reliably for many years.
How can I prevent my guitar from developing cracks?
The overwhelming majority of cracks (and lifting bridges) are caused by inadequate humidity. Exposing your instrument to a low humidity can cause the woods to shrink and change shape, which can lead to cracking and a host of other problems. It's extremely important to be aware of the humidity where you store your instrument. NEVER in lofts, garages or by radiators!
How do I adjust my truss rod?
If you don’t know what you are doing you would be advised to leave it alone! If you break it you’re in for an expensive repair or the bin! Whatever you do don’t just turn it to lower the action it’s not there for that! Call me and discuss the problem before you touch anything!
