Repairs, setups, and mods

What's a setup and why would I want one?

Guitars are wood-based products that change over time in response to use and environmental conditions. As such, to keep your guitar playing great, it's helpful to have a guitar tech perform a setup from time to time. A setup involves taking a variety of precision measurements and making small adjustments to get your instrument into optimal playing condition for your style of play.

What's included in a setup?

A basic setup includes the following:

• measure neck relief and adjust truss rod

• measure string height and adjust bridge/saddles

• measure pickup height and adjust if needed

• clean electronics

• clean fretboard and polish frets

• change strings (customer provides their strings of choice)

Sometimes additional setup work is needed which typically adds (in addition to everything from the basic setup):

• measure nut height and file nut slots if required

• level and recrown frets

What repair services do you offer?

I do work for a variety of issues including:

• Fix/replace electronics (jack, pots, switches)

• Pickup installation

• Wiring modifications (e.g., blend pot for a strat or 4 way switch with series pickup wiring for a tele)

• Repair/replace nut

• Fret leveling and dressing

• Drop fill finish dings and chips

• Bridge and crack repair and saddle replacement for acoustic guitars

How do setups/repairs work?

We'll arrange a time for you to drop your guitar off with me call/text at 408-335-8561 or email me at benjamin.schmaus@gmail.com. I do the work and call you when it's done so you can pick up your guitar. Typical turnaround time is about a week.

When will I get my guitar back?

Turnaround times on repairs are typically within two weeks.

How much do setups and repairs cost?

A basic setup is $85. Setup with nut work and fret leveling is $150. For other work, I will provide an estimate after talking with you and evaluating your instrument.

How do I schedule you to work on my guitar?

Call/text at 408-335-8561 or email me at benjamin.schmaus@gmail.com.