GUITAR LABOR REPAIR RATES
These prices reflect the opinion/perception of the editor of
guitarrepairshop.com. while these are prices one
could expect from a quality repair shop, repair rates can vary. A full
time repairman can have as much training time and
investment in tools as any mechanic. Shop overhead costs are
on par with those of any other profession, so if
you take your instrument to a professional shop, expect to pay
professional rates. And expect professional work.
While this list reflects prices one would expect to pay at a
professional shop, rates will vary. Expect to pay by the
hour for some extensive restoration jobs. Rates based on an
hourly charge of $90.00 p/hour. Shop minimum labor charge - $60.00 Prices updated January 2020
ACOUSTIC
SET UP - $90.00+ Strings Includes Neck adjust, action
adjustment at nut and saddle, minor fret work,
tighten tuner screws and nuts, lubricate tuning machines,
general clean up, restring.(12 string - add $30.00)
SET UP w/ FRET CROWNING - $120.00
NEW NUT- $90.00 may or may not include raw material. If your
guitar has worn frets, a bowed neck, or an ill
fitting saddle, expect additional cost to correct these
problems. Many repairman will not install a new nut if other
problems are not also addressed.(12 string - add $30.00)
COMPENSATED BONE
SADDLE- $60.00 may or may not include raw material. Same
qualifications as with "new nut".
RE-GLUE BRIDGE- $150.00
Remove, refit and reglue old bridge. Very minor finish
touchup included.(12 string bridge- add $30.00) .
REPLACE BRIDGE-
$200.00 Includes bone saddle. Does not include cost of factory made bridge
,approx. $60.00 (12 string bridge - add $30.00)
HANDMADE BRIDGE-
$360.00 and by quote. Includes - remove old bridge, fabricate and install
replica bridge and bone saddle. Handmade
bridges may be necessary for vintage Gibson,
Martin, Guild, and custom bridge replacements.
REPLACE TUNERS (includes restring)- $90.00 Seems like a
simple job, but can be fraut with nuanced complications.
COMPLETE FRET LEVEL AND CROWNING ("Filing", "Dressing"...) $180.00 and
up (depending on the amount of wear). Worn or uneven frets can he filed level in many cases, if there will remain
enough height on the fret to suit the customer. Frets must be lowered to the height of the lowest
pit that can be found. Sometimes, replacing the most worn frets is appropriate. Includes "set up" adjustments.Add $25.00
for finished maple fretboards.
RE-FRET- Unbound fretboards - $15.00 per fret, plus the set up charge. Bound fretboards - $20.00 per fret, plus the set up charge.
Add $90.00 for gloss finished maple fretboards New nut or saddle may also be necessary. Shop minimum may also apply.(Add $60.00 for 12 String)
NECK RE-SET- Dovetail joint - $400.00 and up. Bolt-on neck $300.00 . Remove neck. Re-cut heel/body angle to correct high action. Replace neck.
New saddle often included, but new nut often extra. Additional fret work and bridge work may also be necessary @ $15.00 per fret. (Add $60.00 for 12 string)
CRACK REPAIR- $15 - 30.00 per inch, depending on finish material or by quote (particularly
for shattered areas). Includes glue and brush touchup with appropriate finish. Cleating (installing small patches of wood inside guitar to reinforce repair) as necessary.
Repairs often not invisible.$90.00 minimum for finish repairs
HEADSTOCK CRACK- $180.00 and up, by quote. Glue, seal and re-finish area. Repairs often not invisible, but
finish should be smooth.
REPLACE WARPED/CRACKED BRIDGEPLATE- $250.00
Remove existing bridgeplate. Fabricate and install new bridgeplate.
CAP WORN BRIDGEPLATE- $60.00
Fabricate and install wood veneer inside top under bridge to correct string ball
ends from pulling through. Redrill string holes.
INSTALL SOUNDHOLE/SOUNDBOARD PICKUP w/ endpin jack-
$75.00. Install K & K pickups - $100.00
INSTALL "UNDER SADDLE" PICK UP - $100.00 and up.
Expand endpin hole to accommodate jack. Wire pickup to pre-amp and jack. Fit and re-size old saddle for proper action and contact with pickup. May require new saddle and re-rout of saddle slot(additional). There are other variables relating to pre-amps which must be individually quoted.
Condition of bridge and neck angle may be factors in the appropriateness of an under the saddle pickup.
DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM - Shop minimum. Time is money.
HUMIDIFY GUITAR - $45.00 Particularly
during the dry times of year, instruments may need to be humidifed before repairs and adjustments can
be made.
ELECTRIC
SET UP $90.00+ Strings Includes Neck adjust, action
adjustment at nut and saddle, check and adjust intonation, minor fret work,
tighten tuner screws and nuts, lubricate tuning machines,
general clean up, restring. Floating tremolo, Floyd Rose style - Add $30.00
NEW NUT- $90.00 may or may not include raw material. If your
guitar has worn frets, a bowed neck, or an ill
fitting saddle, expect additional cost to correct these
problems. Many repairman will not install a new nut if other
problems are not also addressed.
REPLACE TUNERS- $30.00 and up and up. Seems like a
simple job, but can he fraut with nuanced complications.
FRET LEVELING ("Filing", "Dressing"...) $180.00
Worn or uneven frets can he filed level in many cases, if there will remain
enough height on the fret to suit the customer (and practical playability). Frets must be lowered to the height of the lowest
pit that can be found. Sometimes, replacing the most worn frets is appropriate. Includes "set up" adjustments.
RE-FRET- Unbound fretboards -15.00 per fret, plus set up charge.Bound fretboards - $20.00 per fret, plus the set up charge.
Add $90.00 for gloss finished maple
fretboards.
New nut may be necesary. Add $60.00 for 12 String. Shop minimum may also apply.
HEADSTOCK CRACK- $150.00 and up, by quote. Glue, touchup. Repairs often not invisible, but
finish should be smooth
FINISH TOUCH UP-$60.00 and up, by quote.
DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM-Shop minimum Most shops will charge a minimum to diagnose electrical problems
if work is not performed. Time is money.
REPLACE JACK-$30.00 plus part Note: Archtop guitars
will often incur $60.00 upcharge to remove and re-install wiring harness
for all electrical work.
REPLACE PICKUP-$40.00 and up, depending on what type of guitar it is per pickup (Shop minimum may apply).
In some cases set up work is also required.
REPLACE VOLUME/TONE POT -$30.00 per part, plus part. (Shop minimum may apply).
In some cases set up work is also required.
ROUT NEW POCKET-$60.00 PLUS install pickup price
REPLACE SWITCH-$30.00- $60.00 per switch, plus part. (Shop minimum may apply).
In some cases set up work is also required.
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