I Want To Learn How To Repair Guitars

When I walk into a guitar show, I see an exciting forest of guitar necks. I stroll through the tables and often see guitars that are 20 to 100 years old. They are beautiful and uniquely playable. I want to see some wear, but I want them to do what they are supposed to do. Play with their own sound. You don’t think about the repair guys when it is done well. They are invisible. Your only focus is the guitar.

Who are those repair guys? Maybe they are ninjas because they are unseen. Maybe they are surgeons capable of life saving operations. Maybe they are alchemists who transform base metal to gold. I think they are wizards. I see Harry Potter disguised in jeans with beards.

To me, it is staggering to think of all the details that may require attention. Each detail may have a different solution because of the unique nature of each instrument. How many choices do you have to make just to change the strings? The most honest answer is, ,”That depends.”

How do you become a guitar tech capable of making repairs?

It appears the best way is to become an apprentice to someone with experience and skill. Most music stores that sell new guitars have guitar techs that “set up” the guitars from the manufacturer. Be humble. Be nice. Beg your way into helping that guy. Then move on to another guy like that. You may not find a good teacher on your first try.

The second route is a good parallel track. Find a school that teaches it. This is not an either/or choice. Try to do both.

Google “guitar repair school.”

You can make a livable wage doing this.

The opportunities go beyond. You can go from the back room of the local music shop to going on tour with music stars. The possibilities are infinite.

Consider this, the good ones all start to build their own designs.

That is when the inner Harry Potter takes a bow.