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. Prices updated January 2010
ACOUSTIC
SET UP $75.00+ 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 $25.00)
NEW NUT- $75.00 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 $25.00)
NEW SADDLE- $50.00 may or may not include raw material. Same
qualifications as with "new nut".
RE-GLUE BRIDGE- $100.00 Remove and refit old bridge. Very minor
touchup included.(12 string bridge- add $25.00) .
REPLACE BRIDGE- $100.00 + cost of factory made bridge
,approx. $30.00 + cost of new saddle (sometimes). (12 string bridge - add $25.00)
HANDMADE BRIDGE- $250.00 and up, by quote. Handmade
bridges may be neccasary for vintage Gibson,
Martin, Guild, and custom bridge replacements.
REPLACE TUNERS- $50 and up. Seems like a
simple job, but can he fraut with nuanced complications.
FRET LEVELING ("Filing", "Dressing"...) $100.00 and
up. 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- $250.00 Add $50 for fretboards with binding. Add $50.00 for finished maple
fretboards.Individual frets $10.00 plus leveling and/or
set up costs. New nut or saddle may be necesary. Shop minimum may also apply.(Add $25.00 for 12 String)
NECK RE-SET- $300.00 and up. 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.(Add $25.00 for 12 string)
CRACK REPAIR- $25 per inch 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.
HEADSTOCK CRACK- $150.00 and up, by quote. Glue, seal and re-finish area. Repairs often not invisible, but
finish should be smooth.
INSTALL "UNDER SADDLE" PICK UP - $75.00 - 150.00. 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 - $50.00 Time is money.
ELECTRIC
SET UP $75.00+ 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. Floating tremelo, Floyd Rose style may cause higher rates
NEW NUT- $75.00 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- $50 and up. Seems like a
simple job, but can he fraut with nuanced complications.
FRET LEVELING ("Filing", "Dressing"...) $100.00 and
up. 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- $250.00 Add $50 for fretboards with binding.
Individual frets $10.00 plus leveling and or
set up costs in some cases. New nut or saddle may be necesary. 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-$50.00 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-$25.00 plus part Note: Archtop guitars
will often incur $50.00 upcharge to remove and re-install wiring harness
for all electrical work.
REPLACE PICKUP-$50.00 per pickup
REPLACE VOLUME/TONE POT -$25.00 per part, plus part
ROUT NEW POCKET-$50.00 PLUS install pickup price
REPLACE SWITCH-$25.00- $50.00 per switch, plus part.
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