Repair & restoration

“I know you do repairs… but don’t you really just want to build?…”

A lot of luthiers (my younger self included) tend to prefer building guitars, and view repair work simply as a way to pay the bills. But I have grown to really enjoy the process of diagnosing and repairing all kinds of instruments. I especially enjoy repairing and restoring vintage acoustic guitars, which are my specialty. For more detailed examples of my work and approaches, check out my instagram feed or repair blog.

Instruments may be dropped off (by appointment only, please) at the Bruce Guitars shop. Or if you don’t have a local trusted repairman in your area, I also work on guitars shipped from all over the country (particularly for valuable and/or vintage instruments or complicated jobs.)

That being said….We’re Not taking any more repair work at this time.

I have accumulated quite a workload, and I need to work through my backlog of repair work before taking on any more projects… This is primarily to honor the commitments I have already made to my current (very patient and kind) clients, and secondarily for my own organizational sanity! Thank you for your continued business over the years, I am grateful to have the work!

While I am technically not accepting any more work: if you have an instrument that you are interested in having me repair or restore, and you can be patient — then feel free to reach out to me about it. At the very least I can put you on the waiting list, and

Thank you for understanding! -Micah

Pricing & Options

I would love to work on your instrument and make it play, look, and sound like it deserves. Below are some guideline prices for common repairs. Every instrument is unique, so prices may vary. Shoot me a message about your instrument to discuss detailed pricing. My hourly shop rate is $90/hr, but for some context I have included this price list of common repairs.

+ Structural Repairs

Crack – $ Varies
Loose Bracing – $ (Variesvaries)
Reglue Bridge (w/ Setup) – $150
Replace Bridge (w/ Setup) $225
Replica Vintage Bridge – $250
Dovetail Neck reSet – $450+
Repair Binding – Varies (Possibly Martin Warranty)
Peghead Break – $100+
Peghead Break + Finish – $200+
Peghead Break + Spline + Finish – $350+

+ Fretwork

Basic Setup – Included
Fret Level – $150
Refret, Level, New Nut – $350
Partial Refret, Level – $145 + $10/Fret
Bound Refret, Level, New Nut – $400+
Maple Fretboard, Level, New Nut, Finish – $550
Other upgrades (EVO, Stainless Steel, Bar Frets, etc - varies)

+ Setup

Basic Setup $75
New Nut w/ Setup $15
New Saddle w/ Setup – $100
New Nut & Saddle w/ Setup $150
New Strings – $7+
Restring - $30 + strings

+ Finish

Touch Ups – Price Varies
Electric Body New Finish – $350+
Electric Body Refinish – $450+
Electric Neck New Finish – $200+
Electric Neck Refinish – $275+
Set Neck Guitar Finish – $650+
Availible finishes:Lacquer, UV Poly, Varnish, French polish...
Other New Finish Work – See "Luthier Services" Page

Trust me with your instrument

Are you a local customer? When you are ready to bring your instrument by the shop, go ahead and schedule an appointment to come in! I do have somewhat regular shop hours, but I ask that you please schedule an appointment to help me manage my time and workflow.

If you are shipping an instrument to me, then please send me a message. And of course for any and all other inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out and send me a message!

Thank you so much for your support and business.