Acoustic Guitar…
Having an instrument that is physically comfortable to play, sounds great in any situation, is well-behaved, light weight, and good looks to suit your style, will definitely keep your motivation up and make playing easier for sure. The best guitar is the one that enables you to get your sound, do what you demand of it, whatever that may be, and feel comfortable. It your best tool.
In the Haywire Custom Guitar shop we work on everything from acoustic guitar repair, electric, 6, 7 string, tenor guitars, mandolins, banjos and more… We’ll re-fret, level the frets, crown and polish, replace and do whatever is necessary to get the instrument playable again. Acoustic guitars are more delicate than a solid body electric guitar. So, there is special care needed. We also sell acoustics in the shop.
Acoustic Guitar Repair
When deciding to do acoustic guitar repair an instrument the first question or consideration should be, “Will a repair make this instrument viable again for playing?”
The next is, “Can I repair it to the satisfaction of the designer/builder?”
Finally, “What would be the least invasive method to fix it?”
The idea is to bring the acoustic guitar back into a playable state. Next, try to repair it in the way the builder would have done it. No need to over-build it but in the spirit and approach of
the instruments design and function. Lastly, the most important consideration is maintaining the original beauty when completing the repair. However, if it plays well and sounds great does it really matter what it looks like?
As an acoustic guitar ages, it tells a story. Sometimes a “birthmark” or bruise can
be an identifying mark and a great story. Either way people still call and pay big bucks for “road-worn”, instruments. Or they want new instruments distressed to look old and used. Presumably, the player will seem more experienced with a well-worn prop to prove it. But sometimes a great instrument in distress needs some care. And beauty is not a consideration in a case like this.
In fact, some of the ugliest guitars play and sound wonderful. The only way to make this guitar playable again is to repair the holes and wood rips after a careless Fed-Ex delivery. If we determine that it can be brought back to its former sonic charm, then we’ll get to work. We did.
Every instrument has it’s own story, so let your acoustic guitar create it’s own. In order of importance when restoring or repairing a musical instrument, try to be realistic when determining if it can be restored to a playable state.
Do it in a minimally non-invasive way in keeping with the design and sound qualities in the forefront. The final touches are reserved for artistic and superficial finishing.
Bottom line. If there is a power blackout and you happen to grab a guitar
in the dark, and it plays, sounds and feels great. Do you really care what it looks like?
“Music. Takes you somewhere else in a different language…..”
The practical difference between a “nice” guitar and a top level, hand built, Axe can be substantial. If you need to have pro grade gear, get it. Don’t settle for less. The better the instrument, the less you have to fight it. So don’t stress. It’s not part of the job. Play stress-free. Getting adequate gain, workable tone, quietness in the studio and onstage are all important aspects of a great instrument.
Guitar sound and play-ability motivates a player to practice more, because it inspires. Top of the range equipment, excellent ideas and implementation designed by the player and tech together will promote and allow everything to happen faster and effortlessly.
