J. Thayer Guitars brings over two decades of lutherie expertise to the Bremerton area, with founder John A. Thayer combining formal training and apprenticeships under master craftsmen. After honing his skills at the Roberto Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix and working alongside world-renowned luthier Ervin Somogyi in California, John established his shop in 2004 with a philosophy centered on craftsmanship over salesmanship.

The shop specializes in comprehensive guitar repair and restoration services, handling everything from routine setups and fretwork to complex vintage guitar work requiring period-appropriate techniques. John’s background in soundboard voicing and advanced construction methods informs his approach to instrument repair, ensuring each guitar receives knowledgeable, skilled attention.

Beyond repair work, J. Thayer Guitars creates a limited number of custom boutique guitars each year‚both acoustic and electric instruments built entirely by hand. This dual focus on guitar tech services and instrument building means clients benefit from a luthier who understands guitars from the ground up. The shop’s reputation has helped maintain a thriving business serving musicians throughout the Puget Sound region.