06/26/2026
A customer dropped off this Martin guitar and asked for a set up. This is a prime example of why we can’t give cost estimates without seeing the instrument. The top was crowning a great deal and during inspection we discovered that EVERY brace on the top and back were loose. For one or two loose braces we would work through the sound hole with brace jacks but for this one the best option was to remove the back.
I recently saw a facebook post where someone was urging others not to use a particular repair shop because they wouldn’t give a price estimate over the phone, saying that they must be rookies if they don’t know what it will cost. I was thinking as I read that post thinking that only a rookie would confidently give an estimate sight unseen. We appreciate all of those who patiently trust us to take care of their valued instruments.
By the way, this isn’t a normal situation for a Martin guitar. The home for this one has no air conditioning and dry wood heat in winter. This causes a lot of wood movement.
