John Michael Smith brings decades of refined craftsmanship to the Twin Cities music community as a highly skilled luthier specializing in stringed instrument repair and restoration. Operating from his St. Paul workshop, Smith has built a reputation for meticulous attention to detail whether he’s working on a complex vintage guitar restoration or crafting a custom boutique instrument from the ground up.

His expertise extends beyond guitars to include a full range of stringed instruments and bows, making his shop a destination for musicians seeking comprehensive lutherie services. Smith approaches each guitar setup, fretwork project, and structural repair with the same dedication to quality that defines his custom builds. His background in instrument restoration has given him particular insight into the nuances of vintage guitar work, where preserving original character while ensuring playability requires both technical skill and historical understanding.

For musicians in the St. Paul and Minneapolis area seeking a luthier who combines traditional craftsmanship with practical problem-solving, Smith’s workshop offers the kind of personalized service that keeps instruments performing at their best for generations.