
I have been building and repairing stringed instruments since 1986. In 2008 I started
2nd Chance Guitars.
Since then, I have worked on some pretty amazing instruments.
From a quick setup to a broken neck, I've got you covered for repairs.
Are you struggling with your instrument? Does it feel like work to play it?
My goal is to get your guitar to the point where it plays easy and sounds great.
Expect to pay by the hour for some extensive restoration jobs. Rates based on an hourly charge of $60.00 p/hour. Shop minimum bench charge - $35.00. Instruments left over 30 days past completion date will incur storage charges. Drying time or time waiting for parts is not charged. Prices updated as of January 2021.
SET UP $60.00+ Strings Includes Neck adjust, action adjustment at nut and saddle, minor fret work, tighten tuner screws and nuts, lubricate tuning machines, general clean up, restring. (Floating tremolo, Floyd Rose style - Add $30.00, 12 string - add $30.00)
REPLACE TUNERS - $30.00 and up. Seems like a simple job, but can be fraught with nuanced complications.
NEW NUT- $90.00 may or may not include raw material. If your guitar has worn frets, a bowed neck, or an ill-fitting saddle, expect additional cost to correct these problems. I will not install a new nut if other problems are not also addressed. (12 string - add $30.00)
FRET LEVELING ("Filing", "Dressing"...) $150.00 and up. Worn or uneven frets are filed level if there will remain enough height on the frets to suit the customer. Frets must be lowered to the height of the lowest pit that can be found. Sometimes, replacing the most worn frets is appropriate. Includes "set up" adjustments. Add $25.00 for finished maple fretboards.
RE-FRET - 15.00 per fret, plus set up charge. Add $50 for fretboards with binding. Add $50.00 for finished maple fretboards. New nut may be necessary. (Add $30.00 for 12 String) Shop minimum may also apply.
HEADSTOCK CRACK - $150.00 and up, By Quote. Glue, seal and re-finish area. Repairs Often not invisible, but finish will be smooth.
FINISHING AND FINISH TOUCH UPS - $60.00 and up, by quote.
DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM - Shop minimum $35 for inspection if work not performed. Minimum fee is waived if work is agreed to.
REPLACE JACK - $30.00 plus part. Note: Archtop guitars will incur $60.00 upcharge to remove and re-install wiring harness if wiring does not allow pull out.
REPLACE PICKUP - $30.00 per pickup (Shop minimum may apply)
REPLACE VOLUME/TONE POT - $30.00 per part, plus part
ROUTE NEW POCKET - $60.00 PLUS install pickup price.
REPLACE SWITCH - $30.00 - $60.00 per switch, plus part.
COMPENSATED BONE SADDLE - $60.00 may or may not include raw material. Same qualifications as with "new nut".
RE-GLUE BRIDGE - $150.00 Remove, refit and re-glue old bridge. Very minor finish touchup included. (12 string bridge- add $30.00).
REPLACE BRIDGE - $180.00 Includes bone saddle. Does not include cost of factory-made bridge, approx. $30.00 (12 string bridge - add $30.00)
HANDMADE BRIDGE - $360.00 and by quote. Includes - remove old bridge, fabricate and install replica bridge and bone saddle. Adjust action. Handmade bridges may be necessary for vintage Gibson, Martin, Guild, and custom bridge replacements.
NECK RE-SET - Dovetail joint - $450.00 and up. Bolt-on neck $350.00. Remove neck. Re-cut heel/body angle to correct high action. Replace neck. New saddle often included, but new nut often extra. Additional fret work and bridge work may also be necessary @ $15.00 per fret. (Add $60.00 for 12 string)
CRACK REPAIR - $10 - 30.00 per inch, depending on finish material or by quote (particularly for shattered areas). Includes glue and brush touchup with appropriate finish. Cleating (installing small patches of wood inside guitar to reinforce repair) as necessary. Repairs often not invisible. $90.00 minimum for finish repairs
REPLACE WARPED/CRACKED BRIDGEPLATE - $250.00 Remove existing bridge-plate. Fabricate and install new bridge-plate.
CAP WORN BRIDGEPLATE - $60.00 Fabricate and install wood veneer inside top under bridge to correct string ball ends from pulling through. Re-drill string holes.
INSTALL SOUNDHOLE/SOUNDBOARD PICKUP w/ endpin jack - $75.00. Install pickups - $100.00
INSTALL "UNDER SADDLE" PICK UP - $100.00 and up. Expand endpin hole to accommodate jack. Wire pickup to pre-amp and jack. Fit and re-size old saddle for proper action and contact with pickup. May require new saddle and re-route of saddle slot(additional). There are other variables relating to pre-amps which must be individually quoted. Condition of bridge and neck angle may be factors in the appropriateness of an under the saddle pickup.
HUMIDIFY GUITAR - $50.00 Particularly during the dry times of year, instruments may need to be humidified before repairs and adjustments can be made.