Harlem Fret Works brings expert lutherie to New York City under the guidance of Steve Bloom, who honed his craft through a three-year apprenticeship with renowned luthier Ric McCurdy from 2006 to 2009. This Harlem-based shop specializes in comprehensive guitar repair services, from precision fretwork to complex vintage guitar restorations.

The shop’s expertise spans electric, acoustic, archtop, and classical guitars, plus bass, ukuleles, banjos, and even Cuban tres instruments. Bloom has built a reputation for meticulous fret levels and complete fret replacements, tackling everything from routine guitar setups and truss rod adjustments to challenging crack repairs and broken headstock reconstruction. His work on vintage instruments demonstrates a deep understanding of historic construction methods and materials.

Harlem Fret Works also handles custom builds and boutique guitar projects, along with specialty work like acoustic guitar-to-Cuban tres conversions. The shop’s client list includes professional musicians, music schools, and institutions throughout New York City. As an authorized Framus service center, the operation combines old-world apprenticeship training with modern guitar tech expertise, offering instrument repair services that prioritize precision and playability above all else.