image Haywire Custom Guitar Shop Violator Guitar Setups poster

Building players with clarity and precision separating one player’s sound from another.

Guitar Repairs

The cost of guitar repairs varies widely depending on the type of repair needed, ranging from basic maintenance to electronic problems to major structural work. Simple repairs like a new nut or a fret dress can cost $35 -$45, while more complex jobs like a complete re-fret or neck reset can run into hundreds of dollars. Major repairs like a broken head stock or a bridge re-glue can also cost about $185.

Basic Guitar Repairs,  Maintenance & Setup:

  • Restring: $10 – $25+ (depending on the type of strings and whether you do it yourself or have a shop do it). 
  • Basic Setup: $55 – $85+ (includes adjusting action, intonation, truss rod, and cleaning). 
  • Nut Replacement: $45 – $65+ (depending on the material and whether a setup is included). 
  • Fret Dress (leveling and crowning): $85 – $250+ (depending on fret size and wear). 
  • Deep Clean: $30. 
    image Haywire Custom Guitars business hours sign

    Haywire Custom Guitars business hours for Guitar Repairs

Structural Guitar Repairs:

Other Repairs:

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • Type of Guitar: Acoustic, electric, and 12-string guitars can have different repair costs. 
  • Materials: Bone nuts or stainless steel frets will typically cost more. 
  • Complexity of the Repair: Major structural issues or custom work will increase the price. 
  • Luthier’s Rates: Experienced luthiers vs. less experienced technicians. 

Recommendations:

  • Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain estimates from several repair shops to compare prices.
  • Consider the Guitar’s Value: Assess whether the repair cost is justified based on the guitar’s value and sentimental attachment.
  • Factor in the Cost of Strings: New strings are often needed after repairs and should be factored into the overall cost.

Even with regular maintenance, a guitar can show signs of wear and tear that indicate it needs a setup. Look for visible signs like cracks in the body or neck, worn frets, or peeling finish. Guitar repairs can range from simple tasks that can be done at home to complex procedures best left to professionals. Common repairs include string replacement, tuning, truss rod adjustments, and basic electronics work like replacing a jack or pickup.

Haywire Custom guitars: Telecaster 3 barrel vintage adjustable bridge

Telecaster 3 barrel vintage bridge with guitar action and intonation adjustments

More complex repairs often involve re-fretting, nut and saddle work, neck resets, and structural damage repairs. To find a reliable guitar repair shop, start by seeking recommendations from fellow musicians, teachers, or local bands. Online reviews and ratings, like those on Yelp or Google Reviews, can provide valuable insights into a shop’s reputation and customer service. When evaluating a shop, consider the experience and qualifications of the technicians, and whether they seem genuinely concerned about your instrument. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience with specific repairs and how they handle potential damage.

image Sunburst finished Haywire Custom Nashville Guitar

Sunburst finished Haywire Custom Nashville Guitar with a Hard Poly finish.

Professional guitar repair offers several benefits, including improved play-ability, enhanced sound quality, and increased instrument longevity. A professional setup can address issues like fret wear, neck problems, and intonation, making the guitar easier and more enjoyable to play. Additionally, regular maintenance and repairs can help identify and prevent potential problems before they escalate, ultimately extending the life of the instrument.

What You’ll Get-Enhanced Sound Quality:

  • Intonation Adjustment:

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    Proper intonation ensures that the guitar plays in tune across the fret board, resulting in a more accurate and pleasing sound. 

  • Bridge and Saddle Adjustments:

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    Adjusting the bridge and saddle can optimize string height action and intonation, contributing to a balanced and resonant tone. 

  • Nut Adjustment:

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    The nut plays a crucial role in action,  string height and intonation, and a properly adjusted nut ensures optimal sound and play-ability. 

Increased Instrument Longevity: 

  • Early Problem Detection:

    Regular maintenance to identify potential issues like humidity damage, neck problems, or electronic issues early on, preventing them from worsening. 

  • Preventive Maintenance:

    Professional setups include tasks like cleaning, lubricating, and tightening components, which can help prevent wear and tear and extend the life of the guitar. 

  • Value Retention:
    A well-maintained guitar retains its value better than one that is neglected, making it a worthwhile investment. In the Haywire Custom Shop we’ll take the least invasive method to effect a repair. We call it the “tack-hammer” method vs. the “sledgehammer” method. When the instrument leaves the shop a repair is hardly noticeable to anyone but the owner. In that way, value is retained and the repair unobtrusive.

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