Find Local Luthiers, Guitar Techs & Authorized Repair Centers
Browse 4,000+ verified guitar repair shops in all 50 states. Last updated May 2026
From electric guitar pickup mods to acoustic setups – find the best guitar repair shop for your needs
Whether your guitar needs a fresh setup, fret work, or a complete vintage restoration, String & Amp connects you with local guitar repair shops, luthiers, and guitar techs across the United States. Use the search below to find a guitar repair shop near you, or browse by service type — from basic setups and intonation adjustments to custom builds and authorized warranty repairs for Fender, Gibson, and Martin.
General Repairs covers essential setup and maintenance — string action adjustments, truss rod and intonation setup, nut slot filing, pickup height calibration, restringing, and fretboard cleaning — everything needed to optimize playability, tone, and tuning stability.
Custom & Boutique Builds includes specialty vintage restoration, custom pickup and wiring configurations, modifications, and fully bespoke guitar builds to your specifications.
Authorized Repair Centers lists factory-certified locations for warranty repairs using original manufacturer specs and genuine parts, covering brands including Fender (Squier, Gretsch, Jackson, Charvel, EVH, Bigsby), Gibson (Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger), and Martin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical repair services a guitar shop handles?
A guitar repair shop handles everything from routine maintenance to complex restoration work. The most common services include:
- Guitar setups and intonation — string height, truss rod adjustments, and nut slot filing to get your guitar playing comfortably. Browse shops offering guitar setup services.
- Fret work — fret leveling, dressing, and full refrets when the frets are worn flat.
- Electronics — pickup swaps, pot and switch replacements, output jack repairs, and full rewires.
- Structural repair — acoustic crack repair, bridge regluing, headstock breaks, and neck resets.
- Custom & vintage work — custom guitar builds and boutique restoration by specialist luthiers.
- Authorized warranty service — Fender, Gibson, and Martin factory-certified service centers for warranty-covered repairs using original parts.
Luthier, Guitar Tech, or Service Center — which do you need??
A luthier builds or restores instruments by hand and handles the most complex work — neck resets, refretting, hand-carved nut and saddle replacements. A guitar tech specializes in setups, electronics, and keeping working instruments playing well, often with faster turnaround and lower prices for everyday maintenance. An authorized service center is certified by a specific manufacturer (Fender, Gibson, Martin) to handle warranty repairs using factory parts — essential if your guitar is still under warranty.
How do you curate String & Amp listings?
Every shop in our directory is manually verified for current hours, contact information, and services offered. We do our very best to keep up to date but always recommend checking their site also for latest information.
How much does guitar repair cost?
Costs vary widely depending on city and service. Basic setups run $40–$80. Fret leveling runs $150–$250. Full re-frets cost $300–$500. Nut replacement is $40–$100. Pickup installation runs $50–$100 per pickup. Authorized warranty service may be free.
What's the difference between a luthier and a guitar tech?
Ok this could get interesting 🙂 Generally speaking a luthier builds and fully restores stringed instruments by hand; a guitar tech specializes in setups, electronics work, and maintenance.
Use a luthier for complex structural work, vintage restoration, or custom builds. Use a guitar tech for setups, pickup swaps, and everyday maintenance. While you get luthier certifications, many luthiers have years of experience and apprenticeships under their belt and certifications are not mandatory.
How often should I get a guitar setup?
Most guitars benefit from a setup once or twice a year. When seasons change, after a string gauge change, or when you notice buzzing or high action.
I would recommend always get a new guitar setup correctly – most shops will do this as part of the purchase but if you’re buying second hand I would highly recommend have someone setup the guitar post purchase.
Can Guitar Center do guitar repairs?
Yes – most (though not all) Guitar Center locations have an in-house guitar tech who handles setups, basic repairs, and restrings. Some local luthiers may operate out of (or contract with) Guitar Center vs. having their own shop.
Do authorized service centers cost more than independent shops?
This is a “it depends” answer.
Authorized centers charge standard rates set by the manufacturer and only use original parts. An independent shop may charge less but can’t handle warranty claims. For in-warranty repairs, always go authorized and depending on the warranty parts and labor may be covered.
The added benefit of an authorized service center is that manufactures will validate and certify luthiers and technicians to work on their gear.