Guitar Musings

A few weeks back, I wrote a post about a guitar repair shop finder on the web, mentioning that I purchased the book “The Acoustic Guitar Adjustment, Care, Maintenance, and Repair,” so I could get a better idea of the inner-workings of my post about a guitar repair shop finder on the web, mentioning that I purchased the guitars.  I have become a firm believer that the more you know about your instrument, the better you will play.  At least that’s one reason why I feel I have improved.

First Thoughts:

After I started reading this book, I began to think that I might have went a bit over my head.  With some chapters like “Disassembly and Reassembly of Guitar bodies,” “Pearl Inlay Technique” and “Finishing and Refinishing”, I was wondering whether I would be able to use any of this information.  This book was definitely meant for someone with some experience in woodworking.

What I Found Useful:

After getting over the initial intimidation, I did find some chapters that I could use for myself.  I was able to utilize “String Action and Tension Rod Adjustment” and “Intonation and Bridging” to tune up and lower the action on my Seagul S6. 

Final Thoughts:

This book is obviously meant for a more experienced repairperson with more than a basic knowledge of guitar repair.  If you are curious about some of the techniques and tools used for some of the more extensive repairs, you might find this a good reference.  It has certainly increased my knowledge/appreciation of my instrument and the Luthiers who repair them.

Links:

http://www.repairmyguitar.com/

I just purchased “The Acoustic Guitar: Adjustment, Care, Maintenance, and Repair,” (thoughts on book in upcoming posts).  Mainly because I want to be able to make the necessary adjustments to my instrument without having to take it into a shop all the time.   Some might want to work on their own guitar as well but others would rather give it to a professional but how can you find a good repair shop in your area?

I have a new friend through Twitter who provides great help in finding such guitar repair shops.  It is repairmyguitar.com, which is a searchable database of repair shops throughout the United States.  All you need to do is visit the site, choose your city, state and you will be given a list of local repair shops.  I would say the list is pretty decent for the areas that I looked up and I’m sure that it is growing everyday.  In the future, I hope to see an option to search for luthiers.

If you are looking to repair, setup or just do some standard maintenance on your guitar, check out repairmyguitar.com and find a local shop.  They currently have a promotion where if you can win $50 if you submit a review of a shop that you used.  Reviews will give us even more confidence in using this search tool.  If you own a shop or repair guitars, visit the site and get listed, it’s free and a invaluable tool to promote your business.

Links:
www.repairmyguitar.com