GUITAR REPAIR: $60 PER HOUR
I charge $60 per hour for all general repair work.
When you bring any of your instruments in to me, we’ll begin with a thorough assessment at no charge. We’ll discuss whatever problems or issues you’re having with your instrument. I will provide pricing estimates for any work we may want to do, and then we decide together on a course of action.
For more information on specific kinds of repair work, take a look down this page.
Setups: $75 – $100
The “setup” of a guitar refers to the way to guitar plays and functions. Does your guitar stay in tune properly? Is it too difficult to play? Do all the notes ring out clearly? Having your guitar setup will address these issues.
A setup includes the following:
- Re-string (strings not included)
- Set action and Intonation
- Clean and oil the fingerboard
- Polish the frets
- Clean & lube the nut slots
- Check all hardware
- Clean and polish the finish
For most standard acoustic, electric, or bass guitars, the cost of a setup is $75.
For some instruments, such as 12-String guitars, mandolins, or guitars with a locking tremolo bridge, the cost of a setup is $100.
Re-Strings: $20 – $30
Installing new strings on most acoustic or electric guitars costs $20.
For certain instruments, such as 12-string guitars, mandolins, Classical guitars, or guitars with locking tremolo systems, installing new strings costs $30.
String-Change Instruction: $30 extra
Installing new strings on your guitar is something every guitar player should know how to do, and in order for your guitar to stay in tune properly, the strings need to be installed well. For an extra $30 on top of the String Change charge, I will walk you through the entire process in person and teach you how to do it.
Fret Dress: $200 (complete dress, some exceptions)
Worn or uneven frets can cause unwanted buzz, a loss of sustain, and even dead notes. This issue can be addressed by having the problematic frets levelled, then re-crowned and polished. This kind of repair is called a “fret dress”.
Having your frets levelled and polished in this way will breath a whole new life into the instrument. The setup can now be fine-tuned without needing to compensate for any uneven frets. Plus, the freshly polished surface of the frets will feel silky-smooth to play. Strings will glide effortlessly across the surface of the frets, making bends easier. Finally, the rolled and polished ends of the frets will slide cleanly under your fingers, making the neck feel more comfortable.
For most guitars, the cost of a complete fret dress is $200. Some guitars will have some complicating factors (such as binding over the edges of the frets on most Gibson guitars) which may raise the cost slightly.
There are also situations where a complete fret dress may not be required. A fret dress can be targeted exclusively at a problematic area of the fingerboard, and sometimes down to just a single fret. In these situations, a partial fret dress can be done, and is charged at the hourly rate: $60 per hour.
Wiring & Pickup Installation: $60 per hour
Wiring is priced by the hour. Any replacement parts or components that may be needed are not included in the hourly rate.
For pickup installations, the time required can vary from guitar to guitar. As a rule of thumb, “1 hour per pickup” is a good safe estimate.
For Acoustic Guitar Pickup installations, the cost of installation varies based on the pickup. Most acoustic guitar pickups can be installed in roughly 1 hour, but some take longer.
Pedalboard planning & assembly: $60 per hour
Putting together a pedalboard can be daunting. From choosing your effect pedals to planning your signal path to figuring out your cabling and power supplies, there’s a lot to deal with. I’m here to help!
If you’d just like to ask questions or get some advice, we can schedule a consultation. You can book as many hours of my time as you need. If you’d like me to handle the assembly of your pedalboard, I can do that too.
Guitar Gear Consultations: $60 per hour
Working in the guitar industry for 20 years has allowed me to build up a wealth of knowledge on all things guitar-related. Maybe you’re shopping for a new acoustic guitar, but you aren’t sure which body shape will give you the sound you’re looking for? Perhaps you’re looking for a new amplifier, but you aren’t sure what specs and features you should be looking for? Or maybe you’re wondering what the actual differences are between the countless different models of Stratocaster out on the market?
Whether you’re looking for general knowledge and information, or you need help choosing a specific piece of gear, I can help you sort out your equipment so you can stop worrying about it and get back to playing guitar.
Amplifier Repairs and Custom Modifications
For Amplifier repairs, modifications, and custom wiring work, please visit our friends over at Thick Electronics.
Douglas Guitar Repair 