The Upper Bout, LLC has been serving the Champaign music community since 2007 as a full-service guitar shop with dedicated luthier services. Beyond their extensive retail offerings of acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, the shop maintains a professional repair department specializing in both modern and vintage guitar work. Their luthier services cover the full spectrum of instrument repair needs, from routine setups and fretwork to more complex restoration projects on older instruments.

The shop has built a reputation for custom and boutique guitar builds, catering to players seeking instruments tailored to their specific needs. Their expertise extends across various stringed instruments including mandolins, banjos, resonators, and ukuleles. The combination of retail knowledge and hands-on repair experience gives their guitar techs particular insight into the nuances of different instrument types and brands. Players throughout central Illinois rely on The Upper Bout for professional setups, electronics work, and structural repairs. The shop’s longevity in the Champaign area reflects their commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service in both their luthier work and retail operations.