Grosse Pointe Music Academy CommentaryBased on reporting by Molly Bilker for Downtown DevilOriginal article link (Downtown Devil) At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we celebrate not only the art of playing instruments, but also the craftsmanship behind them. The story of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery is a powerful reminder of how music and craftsmanship intersect […]
Guitar Repair
Guitar maker to restore Elvis collection
Commentary: Elvis’ Guitars Get Expert Attention from Master Luthier Scott BaxendaleOriginal reporting by André Gallant, Online Athens / Athens Banner-Herald We came across a fascinating story by arts and culture reporter André Gallant about Athens-based guitar maker Scott Baxendale, who will soon begin work restoring and maintaining the legendary Elvis Presley’s guitar collection at Graceland. […]
Guitar Theft – Protect yourself.
Musicians often feel a deep and personal connection to their instruments, which is why having one stolen can be especially devastating. While any theft is upsetting, losing a guitar or other cherished instrument can feel like losing a piece of yourself. Unfortunately, instrument theft is all too common. Guitars are often taken at gigs, rehearsals, […]
Can I convert my guitar to left handed?
In most cases a right handed instrument can be easily converted to a left handed instrument. In fact, on a classical guitar, the conversion may be as simple as restringing it. The saddles on classical guitars typically have no compensation angle, and the nylon strings are close enough in diameter that the nut slots are often […]
Releasing tight or stuck bridge pins
Often times a player will go to restring their guitar, and discover that the bridge pins wont budge. This can be a frustrating experience, and can turn a simple procedure into a struggle. Luckily, there are a few tricks that can be used to make bridge pin extraction as painless as possible. The first thing […]
A quick fix for a bone nut
Have you ever seen a bone nut with a chunk missing or a chip in it? This is a fairly common situation. When this occurs, players often choose to replace the nut entirely, and there is nothing wrong with this. In fact, it is the best scenario. However, sometimes clients want a quick inexpensive fix. […]
Considering compensation for twelve string guitars
So, do you calibrate a twelve string guitar or not? It is a common question and a very valid one. With fretted instruments we are always battling the limitations of the equal tempered scale. I’ve discussed in previous posts how intonation and calibration works. Basically, frets are placed at a place where a mathematical compromise […]
What’s the buzz?
A guitar can buzz or rattle for many reasons. A large number of repairs that come into my shop are due to complaints of buzzing or rattling when the instrument is played. When these kinds of complaints arise, I like to have the musician play for me and show me what they are hearing themselves […]
Stocking stuffers for that special guitar player
With Christmas fast approaching, I am having more and more people ask what my suggestions for “stocking stuffers” are. Most people are already aware of the standard small gifts to get for that special guitar player in your life such as picks, and strings, but there are some other gift ideas that they might not […]
The Guitar: A Functional Sculpture
An instrument can be seen as an extension of one’s own self to many people. Guitar players are certainly no exception to this. Guitars are more than they appear to many players. The instrument is not only a tool by which a musician can create their music, but also an extension of their own bodies. […]
Pave the way with music
This past July, I attended the The Guild of American Luthiers’ Twentieth National Convention/Exhibition in Tacoma, Washington. Beyond learning a plethora of new and interesting information, I discovered something very simple that I keep thinking about. The convention was held on the campus of Pacific Lutheran University (for that week it became Pacific Luthier University), […]
When to adjust your instrument’s truss rod:
In my repair shop, I am often asked how often a “truss rod” should be adjusted. Unfortunately, there is no clear response for this question. The truss rod is in place in case it is needed, not because it is needed. In an ideal world, your truss rod would never require an adjustment unless your […]
What are frets, and when should I have them replaced?
Frets are metal strips (usually nickel alloy) embedded along the fretboard (also called fingerboard) and located at exact points that divide the scale length in accordance with a specific mathematical formula. When a player presses a string against a fret it shortens the vibrating length of the string, thus changing the pitch or note that […]
Beat the heat! Don’t leave your guitar in the car.
With the heat of this Summer in the Detroit area, it is important to be aware of how one can protect their instrument. The worst thing that an instrument owner can do is leave their guitar out in a car on a hot day. You wouldn’t leave your child or family pet out in a […]
Upgrading your guitar to a bone nut and saddle.
Often times I am asked by customers what upgrades they can make to their guitars to improve the sound of their instrument. Most of the time, I advise them to replace their nut and saddle with one made from a bone material. This is a fairly low cost repair that is always an improvement. Most […]
The Importance of Guitar Repair and Maintenance
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the importance of guitar repair and maintenance is essential to keeping your instrument in optimal playing condition. Just like a car requires regular oil changes and tune-ups, your guitar needs periodic attention to perform at its best and maintain its longevity. As the seasons change, fluctuations […]