What sets us apart from the music store down the street?
At Tom Evanchuck Guitar Repair, we perform professional setups that go beyond the basic restring and truss rod adjustment offered by many competitors. Bring in your recently “setup” guitar, and we’ll show you everything they didn’t adjust.
We specialize exclusively in guitar repair – no sales here. Our expertise in setups has earned us a loyal following; customers return time and again because every guitar we set up receives the same high standard of care. Our consistency is what keeps our clients coming back.
Do you do partial refrets?
As my mother always said, “If you’re going to do something, do it right.” The only way to ensure a refret plays better than it did when new is to start with a completely level playing surface. A partial refret prevents us from properly leveling the fingerboard, which can lead to uneven heights and suboptimal playability. Ultimately, this results in wasting your money, as you’ll need to lower the new frets to match the old ones, reducing their lifespan.
Do you provide appraisals?
We do not offer appraisals, as we focus solely on repairs. We recommend Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, which even offers online appraisal options. It’s wise to have your instruments appraised, especially if their value has significantly increased over time.
Is my instrument safe?
Your guitars are safe with us. We maintain a “white glove” operation, ensuring your instrument’s condition is preserved from the moment you arrive. Our workshop follows strict upkeep rules, and we’ve heard horror stories about instruments returned with scratches from other techs. Here, our benches are treated like a surgeon’s operating room, and our workshop is not accessible to the public. We also carry adequate insurance to cover any potential issues. Remember, a general business policy doesn’t automatically cover customer instruments; make sure your tech has additional coverage.
Do you do stainless steel refrets?
We do not offer stainless steel refrets, but we highly recommend EVO Gold fret wire as a strong alternative. If you don’t mind the gold appearance, it’s an excellent choice for durability.
Do you perform neck resets?
Yes, but only when necessary. Many inexperienced techs will quickly suggest a neck reset when it may not be required. Before committing to that costly repair, get a second opinion from us. Our evaluations are always free, and you don’t need an appointment. Often, we find that a less invasive repair will suffice.
What about cheaper options?
If you find someone who can do the job cheaper, that’s great! However, in our industry, you typically get what you pay for. You have the freedom to choose whoever you want to work on your instrument.
We don’t price our repairs to compete with others. If you’re looking for value-priced repairs, we may not be the right fit. However, if you want a highly trained and qualified luthier, you’re in the right place.
Do I have to pay in advance?
No, but for long-term projects like refrets or full restorations, you can put down a deposit and pay the remainder at pickup. We are flexible.
What about the PLEK machine?
Yes, we’re aware that some local stores have a PLEK machine. While it can provide precise measurements, the final work is still performed by a human. That’s the person you need to communicate with when you drop off your guitar, not the salesperson promoting the machine.
We use tools that measure down to .001 of an inch. It may take us a little longer than a machine, but our clients rave about our impeccable fretwork. Feel free to try the PLEK job first; then we can clean it up and make it play beautifully!
Caution about online forums
Be careful how much trust you place in advice from online forums. Busy luthiers don’t typically spend time writing in forums; those giving advice may have limited experience. We see more Martin guitars in a week than some techs see in a lifetime.
A final word of caution
If you’ve just bought a new instrument, be cautious about having the frets leveled right away, as you’ll lose some fret life. If you suspect uneven frets, it’s likely a manufacturing defect and should be covered under warranty.