The Differences in Timber Used for Guitar Necks

 

The Differences in Timber Used for Guitar Necks

The choice of wood for a guitar neck plays a significant role in the instrument's tone, stability, and playability. Different types of timber influence factors such as resonance, sustain, weight, and even the feel of the neck. Here, we explore some of the most commonly used woods for guitar necks and their characteristics.

1. Maple

Maple is one of the most popular woods for guitar necks, particularly in electric guitars. It is a dense and strong hardwood that offers bright tones with excellent sustain. Maple necks are often used in bolt-on constructions, contributing to a snappy attack and clear articulation.

• Tone: Bright, punchy, with a strong midrange.
• Stability: High resistance to warping.
• Common Uses: Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster, and other bolt-on neck guitars.
• Variants: Hard maple (more stable) and roasted maple (lighter and more resistant to humidity changes).

2. Mahogany

Mahogany is a softer hardwood commonly used in set-neck and neck-through guitar constructions. It is favored for its warm, rich tone with excellent resonance. Mahogany necks often provide a smooth playing feel, making them a staple in Gibson-style guitars.

• Tone: Warm, with strong low-mids and smooth highs.
• Stability: Good, but more sensitive to temperature and humidity changes compared to maple.
• Common Uses: Gibson Les Paul, SG, and PRS guitars.
• Variants: African mahogany (lighter) and Honduran mahogany (denser with more resonance).

3. Rosewood

Rosewood is more commonly used for fretboards, but some guitar necks are made entirely from this wood. Rosewood necks offer a rich, complex tone with additional warmth and sustain. Due to its weight and cost, rosewood necks are less common than maple or mahogany.

• Tone: Warm and resonant with a full-bodied sound.
• Stability: Excellent, but heavy.
• Common Uses: High-end acoustic guitars and some boutique electric guitars.
• Variants: Indian rosewood (most common) and Brazilian rosewood (rarer and highly sought after).

4. Walnut

Walnut is an underrated choice for guitar necks, offering a balanced tone between maple and mahogany. It is moderately dense and provides a strong midrange with articulate highs.

• Tone: Balanced with good sustain.
• Stability: High resistance to warping but heavier than mahogany.
• Common Uses: Custom-built and boutique guitars.
• Variants: Black walnut (common) and Claro walnut (visually striking with tonal depth).

5. Wenge

Wenge is a dense and exotic hardwood that provides excellent stability and sustain. It has a naturally oily texture, making it smooth to play without requiring a finish.

• Tone: Strong low-mids with pronounced articulation.
• Stability: Extremely resistant to changes in humidity.
• Common Uses: High-end and custom guitars, particularly in metal and progressive rock genres.
• Variants: Dark brown with visible grain patterns.

6. Korina (White Limba)

Korina is a lesser-known but highly regarded wood for guitar necks. It offers a warm tone similar to mahogany but with slightly brighter overtones.

• Tone: Warm and dynamic, with enhanced clarity.
• Stability: Good, similar to mahogany.
• Common Uses: High-end and boutique guitars.
• Variants: White limba (brighter) and black limba (darker, more resonant).

Conclusion

Each type of wood used for guitar necks brings unique tonal and structural characteristics to the instrument. Players seeking bright tones and snappy response might prefer maple, while those looking for warmth and richness might choose mahogany or rosewood. More exotic woods like wenge and walnut offer unique tonal properties and visual appeal. The best choice ultimately depends on the player’s preference, playing style, and the overall design of the guitar.

Author:
A Evans

How to Adjust the Truss Rod and Sight the Neck of a Guitar

 

A well-adjusted truss rod is essential for maintaining the playability and tone of your guitar. This guide will walk you through how to sight the neck of your guitar and adjust the truss rod safely and effectively.

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What is the Truss Rod?

The truss rod is a metal rod embedded in the neck of the guitar, designed to counteract the tension of the strings and maintain the neck's curvature (relief). Proper adjustment ensures optimal string action and prevents fret buzz.

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Step 1: Understanding Neck Relief

Neck relief refers to the slight bowing of the guitar neck, which allows the strings to vibrate freely. Too much relief can make the action too high, while too little can cause fret buzz.

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Step 2: Tools You'll Need

• Truss rod wrench (typically included with your guitar or available from a music store)
• Capo (optional)
• Guitar tuner
• Ruler or feeler gauge

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Step 3: Sighting the Neck

1. Tune the Guitar: Ensure your guitar is tuned to standard pitch, as string tension impacts the neck's curvature.

2. Hold the Guitar Properly: Place the guitar on a flat surface or hold it in a playing position.

3. Sight Down the Neck: Look from the headstock toward the body, focusing on the edge of the fretboard. This will help you identify if the neck is bowed (convex) or back-bowed (concave).

4. Optional: Use a Straightedge: Lay a straightedge along the frets to get a more precise view of the neck's relief.

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Step 4: Adjusting the Truss Rod

Before You Begin

• Make small adjustments: A quarter-turn at a time is sufficient.
• Always adjust in small increments to avoid damaging the truss rod or neck.

Steps to Adjust

1. Locate the Truss Rod Nut:

   • Found at the headstock (near the nut) or at the base of the neck (accessible through the body or pickguard).

2. Determine the Adjustment Needed:

   • If the neck is bowed (convex): Tighten the truss rod by turning it clockwise.
   • If the neck is back-bowed (concave): Loosen the truss rod by turning it counterclockwise.

3. Make the Adjustment:

   • Insert the truss rod wrench into the nut.
   • Turn it gently, a quarter-turn at a time.

4. Check the Neck Relief:

   • Re-tune the guitar and sight the neck again.
   • Repeat the process if necessary, making incremental adjustments.

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Step 5: Fine-Tuning

After achieving the desired neck relief, play the guitar and check for:

• Fret buzz
• Comfortable string action
• Proper intonation

If issues persist, consider consulting a professional guitar technician.

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Safety Tips

• Do not force the truss rod: If it feels stuck, seek professional help.
• Monitor changes gradually: Allow the neck to settle after adjustments.

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Conclusion

Adjusting the truss rod and sighting the neck of your guitar are crucial maintenance skills that can greatly enhance your instrument's playability. With patience and the right tools, you can keep your guitar in top playing condition.

Author
A. Evans

Guitar Repair Service

🎸 Guitar Repair Service 🎸

Got a busted string, broken neck, or buzzing fret? Let us bring your guitar back to life!

✨ Services Include:

• Setup & adjustments
• Fret polishing
• Electronics repair
• String changes & more!

Fast, affordable, and expert care for your instrument.

Your guitar’s next jam session starts here. 🎶

Keeping Your Guitar Dehumidified: Essential Tips for Preserving Tone and Structure

Keeping Your Guitar Dehumidified: Essential Tips for Preserving Tone and Structure

A guitar is a delicate instrument, and maintaining its quality over time requires attention to the environment in which it's kept. One of the most important environmental factors to control is humidity. Too much moisture in the air can lead to warping, swelling, and even cracking of the wood, while too little can cause the wood to dry out, potentially damaging the guitar's structural integrity and sound.

Here are a few tips for keeping your guitar properly dehumidified:

1. Use a Guitar Humidifier or Dehumidifier

The most effective way to manage humidity is by using a specialized humidifier or dehumidifier designed for musical instruments. In areas with high humidity, a dehumidifier can be placed in the room or even inside the guitar case to regulate moisture levels. There are many compact, battery-operated models designed to fit snugly into the sound hole or case of your guitar.

2. Monitor Humidity Levels

Invest in a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in the room where you store your guitar. Ideally, the humidity should be between 40% and 60%. If the room is too humid, use a dehumidifier to lower the moisture level; if it's too dry, consider using a humidifier to maintain a healthy balance.

3. Store Your Guitar in a Hard Case

When not in use, keep your guitar inside a well-padded hard case. The case will offer extra protection against fluctuations in temperature and humidity, acting as a barrier to the elements. For added peace of mind, place a guitar humidifier inside the case to ensure consistent conditions.

4. Avoid Extreme Conditions

Never leave your guitar in places with extreme temperature or humidity, such as in a car, near a heater, or in direct sunlight. These conditions can lead to rapid changes in moisture levels, which are damaging to wood.

5. Check for Signs of Damage

Regularly inspect your guitar for signs of excess humidity, such as loose or bulging seams, or dryness, like cracked finish or fretboard shrinkage. If you notice these issues, it's a sign that the humidity levels may need to be adjusted.

By taking simple precautions to control humidity, you can ensure that your guitar remains in top condition, preserving its tone, appearance, and longevity for years to come.

Author
Adam Evans

What you need to know before you purhchase a second hand guitar.

When purchasing a second-hand guitar, it's important to be thorough in your inspection to ensure you're getting a good instrument for your money. Here are the key things to look for when buying a used guitar:

1. General Condition

Cosmetic wear: Check for scratches, dings, and dents. While some wear is expected, deep gouges, cracks, or significant finish wear could affect the guitar’s value and longevity.

Neck and body condition: Look for any obvious warping or damage on the neck and body. Small dents in the body or minor wear on the neck may be normal, but anything that looks out of the ordinary might be a red flag.

2.Neck

Neck warping or twisting: Look down the neck from the headstock to the body to check for any visible warping or twisting. A warped neck can make the guitar harder to play and expensive to fix.

Truss rod condition: Check if the truss rod is functional by adjusting the neck relief (if possible). If the truss rod is broken or stuck, it may be costly to repair, or the guitar may be unplayable.

Neck joint: Inspect the neck joint where it meets the body. Cracks or shifting at the joint can affect playability and sound quality.

3.Fretboard and Frets

Fret wear: Look closely at the frets for signs of wear, such as grooves or flattening. Significant fret wear can cause buzzing or difficulty playing in certain positions.

Fretboard condition: Check for cracks or deep grooves on the fretboard itself, which could indicate abuse or neglect. A dry or cracked fretboard can often be restored with conditioning.

4. Action and Playability

String action: Check how high the strings are from the fretboard. High action could indicate an issue with the neck or bridge, and low action could lead to buzzing. Action can usually be adjusted, but it's good to check if any major work is needed.

Intonation: Make sure the guitar stays in tune up and down the neck. Check tuning at the open position and higher frets (like the 12th fret). If the guitar is out of tune higher on the neck, it may need adjustment or repair.

Neck relief: Check the neck relief by pressing down on the first and last frets of each string. If there is too much relief (a large gap in the middle of the neck), the truss rod might need adjustment.

5. Electronics (For Electric Guitars)

Pickups: Test the pickups by playing in both the neck and bridge positions. Make sure the switch works properly, and listen for any buzzing, hum, or loss of signal.

Knobs and switches: Check the volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, and any other electronics for smooth operation. Static noise, crackling, or loss of signal could indicate a problem with the wiring or pots.

Jack and connections: Plug in the guitar and check the output jack for loose connections or any crackling sound when moving the cable.

6. Hardware

Tuning machines: Check the tuners for smooth operation. If they feel loose, are hard to turn, or slip out of tune easily, they might need to be replaced.

Bridge and saddles: Inspect the bridge for any cracks, loose parts, or unusual wear. The saddles (on an electric or acoustic guitar) should be firmly seated and free of noticeable grooves.

Nut and nut slots: Check the nut for wear, cracks, or loose parts. The slots should be deep enough for the strings but not too deep or shallow. Uneven nut slots can cause tuning issues or string buzzing.

7. Sound Quality

Tone and resonance: Play the guitar and listen for its tone. An acoustic guitar should ring clearly, while an electric should have a full, clean sound. If it sounds muffled, muddy, or has weak sustain, it might have structural or electronic issues.

Testing unplugged: For acoustic or hollow-body guitars, listen for how the guitar sounds when played unplugged. Dull or lifeless tones can suggest issues with the wood, construction, or finish.

Amplified sound: For electric guitars, test the guitar plugged into an amp and check for any feedback, hum, or inconsistencies in tone.

8. Brand and Model

Reputation: Consider the reputation of the guitar’s brand and model. Well-known brands like Fender, Gibson, Martin, and PRS tend to hold value better than lesser-known brands, and they may be easier to resell if you choose to do so later.

Specific issue: Some models may have known issues (e.g., certain Gibson necks are prone to breaking, or certain Fender bridges might have tuning stability problems), so it’s worth researching the particular model you're looking at.

9. Price and Value

Market value: Check the market price for similar models in similar condition. If the price seems too high or too low, ask why. A low price might indicate hidden problems, while an inflated price might not reflect the guitar’s actual worth.

Included accessories: Consider whether the guitar comes with a case, gig bag, or additional accessories like a strap, extra strings, or original paperwork. These can add value to the purchase.

10. Seller Reputation and Return Policy

Buying from a reputable source: If you're buying from a shop, check the shop's return policy, warranty, and reputation. If buying privately, ask the seller for any additional information, such as the guitar's history (was it refurbished, damaged, or repaired?).

Testing before purchase: If possible, play the guitar before committing to the purchase. If buying online, look for guarantees or a return policy in case the guitar doesn’t meet your expectations once you receive it.

Final Tip: 

If you’re new to buying used guitars or unsure about certain aspects, it may be helpful to bring along a knowledgeable friend, a guitar technician, or a luthier to inspect the guitar for you. This way, you can avoid potential problems that might not be immediately obvious to an untrained eye.

By carefully examining these areas, you can increase your chances of finding a great second-hand guitar that will provide years of enjoyment.

Author:
Adam Evans

Why you shouldn't use pencil graphite on you guitar's nut

This is how your Grand dad used to do it!

We use Tune-It Exclusively on Nuts and Saddles 

Using pencil graphite on a guitar's nut is a common practice, but it's not without potential drawbacks. Here’s why you might want to avoid it:

1. Mess and Residue: Pencil graphite is not as clean or precise as other lubricants. It can create a mess and leave residue that might attract dust and grime, leading to potential buildup over time.

2. Inconsistent Performance: Graphite can vary in its consistency and effectiveness. Different pencils have different formulations, so you might not get a uniform or reliable performance every time.

3. Potential Damage: Over time, the abrasiveness of the graphite could wear down the nut, especially if it's made of softer materials. This could affect tuning stability and the overall playability of your guitar.

4. Alternative Lubricants: There are specifically designed products like nut lubricants or graphite-based products that are formulated to be more effective and cleaner than regular pencil graphite. These alternatives can provide a more reliable and consistent lubrication without the potential downsides of pencil graphite.

Overall, while pencil graphite can be a quick and cheap fix, using dedicated guitar lubricants or products designed for this purpose might offer better long-term benefits and help maintain your guitar in optimal condition.

Author:
Adam Evans

Understanding Guitar Pots: Volume vs. Tone, and the Impact of Ohm Values

Understanding Guitar Pots: Volume vs. Tone, and the Impact of Ohm Values

In the world of electric guitars, potentiometers—commonly referred to as "pots"—are essential components that help shape your sound. They control both volume and tone, and their specifications significantly influence your guitar's overall performance. This article will explore the differences between volume and tone pots, the impact of ohm values (500k and 250k), and explain why 25k pots are often used with active pickups.

Volume Pots vs. Tone Pots

Volume Pots

Volume pots control the amount of electrical signal that flows from your guitar’s pickups to the amplifier. By adjusting the volume knob, you essentially manage the output level of your guitar.

Key Characteristics of Volume Pots:

• Logarithmic (Audio Taper): Volume pots are typically logarithmic or audio taper. This type of pot changes resistance in a non-linear fashion, which aligns with the way our ears perceive volume changes. This makes the volume adjustments feel more natural and intuitive. For example, a slight turn of the knob can result in a noticeable change in volume.

Tone Pots

Tone pots are used to adjust the high-frequency content of your guitar’s signal, allowing you to shape your sound’s tonal quality. Turning the tone knob alters the high frequencies through a capacitor, cutting off treble frequencies and creating a warmer, smoother tone.

Key Characteristics of Tone Pots:

• Linear or Logarithmic Taper: Tone pots can be either linear or logarithmic. Linear pots offer a consistent resistance change, which is useful for precise tonal adjustments. Logarithmic pots, though less common for tone controls, can provide a more gradual and smooth change in tone.

Impact of Ohm Values

The ohm value of a potentiometer affects how it interacts with your pickups and, consequently, the overall tone of your guitar. Here's a breakdown of how 500k and 250k ohm pots influence your sound:

500k Ohm Pots

Characteristics:

• Brightness and Clarity: 500k pots are commonly used with humbucker pickups. They allow more high frequencies to pass through, resulting in a brighter, clearer sound. This helps maintain clarity and definition in your tone, particularly useful for achieving a sharper, more articulate sound.
• Less High-Frequency Roll-Off: The higher resistance of 500k pots means less high-frequency roll-off compared to 250k pots, which is ideal for maintaining the brightness of humbuckers, which tend to be warmer and darker.

Ideal For:

• Humbucker pickups, as they benefit from the increased brightness and clarity that 500k pots provide.

250k Ohm Pots

Characteristics:

• Warmth and Smoothness: 250k pots are typically used with single-coil pickups. They roll off some of the high frequencies, resulting in a warmer, smoother tone. This helps prevent single-coil pickups from sounding too bright or harsh.
• Balanced Tone: The lower resistance of 250k pots results in more high-frequency attenuation, which balances the natural brightness of single-coil pickups and provides a more rounded sound.

Ideal For:

• Single-coil pickups, where a warmer and more balanced tone is preferred.

Why 25k Pots Are Used for Active Pickups

Active pickups, unlike passive pickups, have built-in preamps that boost the signal before it reaches the output jack. This active circuitry changes the way pots interact with the signal.

Characteristics of 25k Ohm Pots:

• Lower Resistance: Active pickups have a higher output and a lower impedance compared to passive pickups. 25k pots are designed with lower resistance to match the impedance of active pickups. Using a higher resistance pot with active pickups can lead to signal loading issues, reducing the effectiveness of the preamp and potentially causing tonal loss.
• Preserving Signal Integrity: 25k pots help preserve the integrity of the high output from active pickups, ensuring that the signal remains strong and clear without unnecessary tonal degradation.

Ideal For:

• Active pickups, where the low resistance of 25k pots helps to maintain the performance and tonal quality of the built-in preamps.

Quality Considerations

Build Quality: The quality of the pot impacts its performance and durability. High-quality pots from reputable brands like CTS, Bourns, and Alpha provide smoother operation, consistent resistance, and greater reliability. Cheaper pots may exhibit inconsistent resistance or premature wear.

Tolerance: Potentiometers come with tolerance ratings, which indicate how closely the actual resistance matches the labeled value. Higher tolerance pots have more precise resistance values, which can be crucial for achieving consistent tone and performance.

Shaft Type: Ensure the pot’s shaft type matches your guitar’s control knobs. Solid shafts are often found in older guitars, while split shafts are more common in modern setups and are compatible with push-on knobs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pots for your guitar involves understanding their roles and how different ohm values affect your sound. Volume pots manage the output level, while tone pots shape the tonal characteristics of your guitar. The choice between 500k and 250k ohm pots depends on your pickup type and desired tonal quality, while 25k pots are specifically suited for active pickups to maintain signal integrity.

By selecting the appropriate pots and understanding their impact on your tone, you can tailor your guitar’s sound to meet your preferences and enhance your playing experience. Whether you’re aiming for brightness, warmth, or a specific tonal character, the right pots can make a significant difference in achieving your ideal sound.

Author:
Adam Evans

 

What Capacitors Can Do For Your Guitar Tone

Understanding Guitar Capacitors: Pros and Cons

Guitar capacitors often baffle many guitarists, especially those who aren't deeply familiar with electronics. Despite their small size, these components play a crucial role in shaping your guitar's tone. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different capacitors can help you make more informed decisions about your gear and its sound. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of guitar capacitors to demystify their role in your instrument.

What is a Guitar Capacitor?

Before diving into the pros and cons, it’s important to understand what a guitar capacitor is. In simple terms, a capacitor is an electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy. In electric guitars, capacitors are typically used in the tone control circuit. They work in conjunction with potentiometers (tone controls) to filter out high frequencies, allowing you to adjust the tonal qualities of your guitar.

Pros of Guitar Capacitors

1. Tone Shaping
   One of the most significant advantages of guitar capacitors is their ability to shape tone. By filtering high frequencies, capacitors can help you achieve a warmer or more mellow sound. This is especially useful for adjusting the tone to suit different musical styles or personal preferences.

2. Customization
   Different capacitors have distinct characteristics that can influence the tonal outcome. For example, ceramic, polyester, and paper-in-oil capacitors each offer unique tonal properties. This allows guitarists to experiment and find a capacitor that best suits their playing style and desired sound.

3. Simplicity and Cost
   Capacitors are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace or upgrade. This makes them an accessible component for guitarists looking to tweak their sound without a significant investment. Replacing or experimenting with capacitors can be a cost-effective way to enhance your guitar’s tone.

4. Enhanced Control
   With a capacitor in place, the tone control on your guitar becomes more effective. This enhanced control allows for a more nuanced adjustment of your sound, helping you to fine-tune your tone with greater precision.

Cons of Guitar Capacitors

1. Complexity in Choice
   Choosing the right capacitor can be daunting due to the myriad of options available. Factors such as capacitance value (measured in microfarads, µF), dielectric material, and voltage rating all affect the capacitor’s performance. This complexity can be overwhelming for guitarists who are not familiar with electronics.

2. Subtle Differences
   The tonal differences between various capacitors can be quite subtle, and in some cases, they may be difficult to discern, especially in a live setting. For some guitarists, the impact of switching capacitors might not justify the effort or expense involved.

3. Potential for Noise
   Lower-quality capacitors can introduce unwanted noise or hum into your signal chain. It’s important to choose capacitors from reputable manufacturers to avoid potential issues with interference or degradation of sound quality.

4. Limited Impact on Tone
   While capacitors do influence tone, they are just one part of a much larger signal chain. Other components, such as pickups, pots, and even the guitar's wood, play significant roles in shaping your overall sound. Focusing solely on capacitors may not yield dramatic changes in tone.

Conclusion

Guitar capacitors are a small yet significant component of your instrument's tone control system. Understanding their pros and cons can help you make more informed decisions about your gear. While capacitors offer valuable opportunities for tone shaping and customization, they also present challenges related to choice complexity and subtlety of effect. For guitarists looking to fine-tune their sound, experimenting with different capacitors can be a rewarding endeavor, but it’s essential to remember that they are just one piece of the tonal puzzle.

By balancing the benefits and drawbacks of capacitors, you can better navigate the world of guitar electronics and achieve a sound that’s uniquely yours.

Author:
Adam Evans

20 Something Year Old 335 In For Earthing Issue

I had a lovely older gentlemen contact me about the hum he's been getting from his guitar.  When he told me it was a 335 I knew I had a challenge.   It's a tedious job to get all the wiring components out of the instrument for inspection.  

I found the problem and sorted the earthing issue.   Now the super fiddly part of putting the components back in the guitar!  Once everything was in its proper place, I had a good session test driving the guitar. 

I did find a screw on one of the tuners that needed its hole packed with wood and PVA. 

All in all it was a fun job to work on such a fine guitar.  

If you have any humming buzzing or ticks coming from your guitar, I can most likely sort them for you.  

Random Customer In Need Evening Hours

I advertise evening hours.  I was just finishing up with my shower and my phone rang.  I answered and a voice said are you the Guitar Spa.  I said yes.  The man was desperate for a set of strings for his acoustic guitar.  I told him to come on over.  By this time it was 9:00pm.  He arrived in 10 minutes and the transaction went smoothly.  A new set of Elixir Strings have a new owner.  

It felt great to help out a fellow muso in need.  

I can do the same for others as long as I have stock on hand.

Another guitar deep clean up!

I was presented with a Stratocaster that was in desperate need of a clean up.  I had to drill out a few of the pick guard screws.  They where so rusty and soft. 

I replaced all of the screws on the guitar.  disassembled the bridge and did a metal polish job to bring it back to life. And I did a fantastic setup to the strat and it plays beautifully. 

Thankfully the new owner of the guitar will keep it tidy.  I really enjoy restoring neglected guitars. 

 

Another Reserrection

My customer went to a few music shops and everyone told him it would be $300 or more to replace the pickup system.

I got it going and it sounds fantastic. Now that the pickup was repair I gave the guitar some. Polished the frets, oiled the fret board and gave it a chiropractic neck tweak. Now it sounds and plays like a dream.

I can do the same to any guitar. 

Sprucing up an old friend for a mate!

She came to me pretty dirty.  Strings were shot and the frets needed polishing. Put some silk and steel on her and she's good as gold.

I can do the same for your electric or acoustic guitar.