Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is the difference between a setup with you guys and the music store down the street?

Accepted Answer

We only do guitar repair! No sales here! We are one of the few stand alone guitar repair shops in the US. We only bring on guys that have first graduated a luthier school, then have apprenticed with us. But that isn't the only reason you should trust LGR with your guitar repair needs, we have mastered the setup. People like the consistency of having their guitars setup exactly like the last guitar. We are consistent. Mike Marshall created the perfect setup. The "Southeast Setup"!

Question 2

Does Loves Guitar Repair do partial re-frets?

Accepted Answer

Mother always said, "If you're going to take the time to do something, do it right". The only proper way to guarantee a re-fret to play better than it did when it was brand new is to start with a completely level playing surface. When you do a partial re-fret you are not able to level the fingerboard properly so there is no guarantee when you dress the new frets, to match the height of the old ones, that it is going to play optimally. Also your money is wasted, you are now having to lower the new frets even to the already worn frets. In the end, you are only getting half the life out of those new frets you just had put in.

Question 3

Do you have a recommendation for a company that can insure my instrument?

Accepted Answer

A good client of Southeast Guitar Repair has his collection covered and raves about Anderson Musical Instruments in South Florida. Their phone number is 781-834-1700.

Question 4

My guitar needs a neck reset...?

Accepted Answer

9 times out of 10, the neck reset you thought you needed, isn't the case. Before you go through with a neck reset, take the time to get a second opinion from us. Our evaluation is always free. We never charge you for a quote. Many customers call us saying someone told them they need a neck reset, rarely is that our professional opinion. Trust the experts. At least ask questions first. Know your options and pick a luthier's brain. If in fact you do need a neck reset, we will be more than happy to do it for you. It just isn't always the proper repair needed. You may need a less expensive repair that the other shop just doesn't know how to perform. Other luthiers are very quick to say guitars need a neck reset. They will argue it doesn't hurt the value. Let's say you have a vintage Martin, the body and the neck have seasoned evenly over the years. They are connected right at that neck joint. Breaking that neck joint, cracking that finish line, cleaning the glue, starting the joint again and having to do finish work, that sounds intense. There may be a less invasive repair that will preserve the instrument. It's a cheaper option, many luthiers only know a neck reset. Let us check your "neck reset" out first and see what options are available before you do all of that to your guitar. Our quotes are always free. If you do need the neck reset, we can do it for you. Forums — Be careful how much trust you put into what you read in forums.

Question 5

This other guy says he can do the job cheaper...

Accepted Answer

That is great! We wish you luck with your project. In our industry we fully believe you get what you pay for. The best part is, you get to choose whomever you want to work on your baby. We do not price our repairs to compete with the other guys. We are competitively priced with other top rated stand alone repair shops across the country that employ certified luthiers. Please do your research and call around to shops on OUR level to comparison shop.

Question 6

Do I have to pay for my repair in advance?

Accepted Answer

While we do operate on a pay at drop off system, we will never turn you away. And the only reason we changed to a prepay system is because people would leave their guitars in for a long time after the job was completed. This left us no room to even walk. Pre-payment also helped with people abandoning their guitars. We understand pay day hits at different times and that sometimes you need to go ahead and get in line. Just let us know at drop-off and we will gladly let you pay when you pick up. Also if you have a long term project in like a refret or full restoration, you can put a deposit down and pay the remainder at pickup. We are very flexible. Also if you are ever uncomfortable to pay in advance because you want to inspect our work first, you may definitely pay when the job is complete.

Question 7

The guitar store down the street has a Plek Machine!!!

Accepted Answer

While a Plek Machine might be able to compute some cool measurements, it all ends with a human doing the setup and other work. We use tools that measure down to .001 of an inch. Just takes us a little longer than the expensive machine. Eventually those same guitars make their way to us so we can do it correctly and give it that perfect Setup. I get it, I love new technology too! Do a quick internet search and you will see people over and over saying it all comes down to the tech doing the final work.

Question 8

Do you do stainless steel refrets?

Accepted Answer

We do not. A great alternative to stainless steel is EVO Gold fret wire. We do love EVO Gold fret wire if you are looking for a stronger fret material. If you don't mind the look of a gold fret this is a great alternative to stainless steel.

Question 9

I can't find time to come to your shop...

Accepted Answer

We have a Pickup & Delivery service. We can come to your business address. If you are within 25 mile radius of Temple Texas our fee is $75 one way or $150 round trip. If you are further away, contact us for a quote on Pickup / Delivery. Call us at 254-913-5326

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