What AM Guitar Works Does

AM Guitar Works is a guitar repair and setup shop based in the United States that handles everything from routine maintenance to full restoration of acoustic and electric guitars. They work on fretwork, electronics, hardware replacement, refinishing, and structural repairs. If you own a guitar that needs professional attention beyond basic string changes and cleaning, AM Guitar Works is the kind of shop you'd contact to have the work done in person or, in some cases, by mail.

The shop operates as a local business, not an online retailer or mail-order parts supplier. That means you're paying for skilled labor and informed, not just buying components. A technician will examine your instrument, diagnose what's wrong, and explain what needs to happen to get it playing well again.

Key Takeaways

  • AM Guitar Works is a repair and setup shop that handles structural repairs, electronics, fretwork, and hardware replacement on guitars.
  • You can bring your guitar in for an in-person evaluation, or contact them about mail-in repair options depending on what needs fixing.
  • The cost of repairs varies widely based on the type of work—a setup costs far less than a fret replacement or structural repair.
  • Before sending a guitar away for repair, get a written estimate so you know the cost and timeline before work begins.
  • Routine maintenance like cleaning, string changes, and truss rod adjustments can extend the time between major repairs.

Types of Work AM Guitar Works Handles

A full-service guitar shop like AM Guitar Works typically offers several categories of work. Setup and adjustment includes truss rod tweaking, bridge height adjustment, nut filing, and intonation correction—the work that makes a guitar comfortable to play and stay in tune. Fretwork means leveling, crowning, or replacing frets when they wear down or develop divots. Electronics repair

Structural repairsHardware replacementrefinishing—sanding and repainting or staining the body—though this is expensive and usually reserved for guitars worth the cost.

Not every shop does every type of work equally well. Before you commit to a repair, ask whether AM Guitar Works has experience with your specific guitar type and the problem you're describing. A shop that specializes in vintage acoustics may not be the best choice for a modern electric with active electronics.

How to Get Your Guitar Evaluated

Start by contacting AM Guitar Works directly—either by phone, email, or in person if you're local. Describe the problem as clearly as you can: "The action is too high," "The G string buzzes on the third fret," "The output jack is loose," or "There's a crack in the back." Include the guitar's brand, model, and age if you know it. A photo of the problem area can help too.

If you can bring the guitar in, the shop will examine it and give you an estimate—ideally in writing—before starting work. If you're mailing it, ask about their process: how to pack it safely, whether they charge a diagnostic fee, how long the evaluation takes, and what happens if you decide not to proceed. Reputable shops will give you a written estimate before touching your instrument.

Be honest about your budget and what you're willing to spend. A $200 repair on a $150 guitar doesn't make financial sense. A good technician will tell you if a repair costs more than the guitar is worth and suggest alternatives, like selling it as-is or parting it out.

Understanding Repair Costs and Timeline

Guitar repair costs vary enormously depending on what's wrong. A basic setup—truss rod adjustment, bridge height, nut and saddle work—might run $50 to $150. Fret leveling and crowning could be $100 to $300. Replacing a pickup or rewiring electronics might be $75 to $200. Structural repairs like fixing a crack or replacing a neck can easily exceed $500 and sometimes cost $1,000 or more.

The timeline also depends on the job. A setup might take a few days. Fretwork can take a week or two. Structural repairs and refinishing may take several weeks, especially if the shop is busy. Ask for a realistic estimate of when your guitar will be ready. If the shop is backed up, you might wait longer than you expect.

Some shops charge a diagnostic fee—usually $25 to $50—that goes toward the repair cost if you proceed. Others include the diagnosis in the repair price. Ask upfront so there are no surprises when you pick up your guitar.

What to Do Before You Send Your Guitar In

Before dropping off or mailing your guitar, take a few steps to protect yourself and the instrument. Write down the current condition in detail: which frets buzz, how high the action is, what the electronics do or don't do. Take photos of any visible damage. This creates a record of what the shop is starting with.

Get a written estimate that includes the specific work to be done, the cost, and the expected completion date. Don't rely on a phone quote or a verbal promise. If the repair will cost more than the estimate, ask whether the shop will contact you before proceeding or if there's a cap on the total cost.

If you're mailing the guitar, use a hard case or a well-padded shipping box. Remove the strings or loosen them significantly to reduce tension on the neck during shipping. Include your contact information and a copy of the work order inside the case. Insure the shipment for its replacement value, not what you paid for it years ago.

Maintenance Between Repairs

You can extend the time between major repairs by maintaining your guitar regularly. Keep it clean and dry. Wipe down the strings and fretboard after playing to reduce corrosion and buildup. Change strings every few months if you play regularly, or when they sound dull and feel rough. Store the guitar in a stable environment—not in direct sunlight, not in a damp basement, and away from heating vents that cause rapid humidity changes.

Learn to do basic tasks yourself: changing strings, cleaning the body, and adjusting the truss rod slightly if you understand how. Watch videos from reputable sources to learn the right technique. Many problems that seem serious—a slightly high action, a little fret buzz—can be addressed with a straightforward setup rather than expensive fretwork.

If you notice something wrong—a rattle, a change in tone, a tuning problem—address it sooner rather than later. A small issue caught early is cheaper to fix than the same problem after it's gotten worse.

When to Choose a Different Shop

Not every repair shop is right for every guitar or every job. If AM Guitar Works doesn't have experience with your specific instrument—say, a vintage classical guitar or a rare electric—ask for a referral to someone who does. A shop that's honest about its limitations is more trustworthy than one that takes on work it's not equipped to handle.

If you're uncomfortable with the estimate, the timeline, or the shop's communication, it's okay to walk away. Get a second opinion from another shop. Reputable technicians won't be offended if you ask around. The cheapest repair isn't always the best one, but neither is the most expensive. Look for a shop that explains what's wrong, gives you options, and communicates clearly about cost and timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical guitar setup take?

A standard setup—truss rod adjustment, bridge height, nut and saddle work—usually takes three to seven business days, depending on how busy the shop is. Fretwork adds another week or two. Ask for a specific timeline when you drop off or mail your guitar.

Can I play my guitar while it's being repaired?

No. Once you've left it with the shop, it's in their care and you shouldn't play it until the work is done and you've picked it up. If you need a guitar to play while yours is being fixed, bring a second instrument or rent one from a local music store.

What if the repair costs more than the estimate?

A reputable shop will contact you before exceeding the estimate and explain why the cost went up. Ask in advance whether the shop will call you if additional work is needed or if there's a maximum cost they won't exceed without permission. Get this in writing.

Should I mail my guitar or bring it in person?

If you're local, bring it in. You can describe the problem directly, see the shop's work, and pick it up when it's done. Mailing works if the shop offers mail-in service, but shipping adds cost and risk. Ask whether the shop recommends mail-in repair for your specific problem before you decide.

How do I know if a repair is worth the cost?

Compare the repair cost to the guitar's replacement value. If a $400 repair on a $300 guitar doesn't make sense financially, consider whether the guitar has sentimental value or is rare enough to justify the expense. A good technician will tell you honestly if a repair isn't worth it.