Every now and then, a guitar arrives at the workshop that reminds me why I love repair work: instruments with history, character, and plenty of potential still waiting to be brought out. This week’s project is a Kimbara FCN acoustic guitar , a classic model known for its warm tone and comfortable playability. This particular instrument came in with cosmetic wear that didn’t affect its sound—but definitely needed attention before finding a new home. Initial Condition The guita

As a guitar repair workshop, we’ve restrung, repaired, and restored thousands of nylon-string guitars—classicals, crossovers, hybrids, and everything in between. Over the years, we’ve seen every type of stringing method imaginable, from beautifully executed tie-offs to knots that could double as fishing lures. And after all that hands-on experience, we’ve come to a clear conclusion: For most players, ball-end nylon strings are a better choice than traditional tie-off strings.

In the workshop today, we had this Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar - the neck was significantly back-bowed and requires straightening which we did with a 5mm long reach allem key wrench, (due to the truss rod nut being deep inside the sound hole). There was room for adjustment with the saddle which had been sanded to bring the string height down to a more comfortable 2mm (which is optimal action for an acoustic instrument). To help stabilise the neck and nail down the set up on t

Every now and then a repair lands on my bench that reminds me why I love working on guitars—and why proper neck relief matters more than people realize. Recently, I had the pleasure of bringing a well-played Fender Precision Bass back to life after its truss rod had completely bottomed out. The Problem: A Neck That Wouldn’t Budge The owner brought in a P-Bass that had become increasingly difficult to play. The action was sky-high, the neck had developed excessive forward bow,

Every guitar that comes onto the workbench has its own story, and this week’s project features a beautifully maintained Epiphone EJ-200 – a modern tribute to one of the most iconic jumbo acoustics ever made. The owner brought it in with one clear goal: improved tone, stability, and playability through a brand-new bridge saddle. Why the Saddle Matters The saddle is one of the most underrated components of an acoustic guitar. It’s responsible for transferring the vibrations of

Tuning slippage is a common frustration for classical guitar players. You tune your guitar carefully, only to find it goes out of tune shortly after. This problem can interrupt practice sessions, affect performance quality, and discourage beginners. Understanding why classical guitars lose their tuning helps players maintain stable sound and enjoy their instrument more. Classical guitar tuning pegs and strings, close-up view How Classical Guitar Strings Affect Tuning Stabilit

When a classical acoustic guitar starts to sound dull or feels harder to play, the strings are often the first place to check. Regular restringing is essential to keep your instrument sounding its best and playing smoothly. Recently, I performed a restring service on a BM Concert classical acoustic guitar for a client, and the transformation was remarkable. This experience highlights why regular restring services are crucial for every classical guitar owner. ! Close-up view o

Gretsch G5021WPE Rancher Penguin Parlor  – and it’s every bit as classy as it looks. Finished in crisp white with gold sparkle binding , this compact parlor-sized electro-acoustic  is perfect for players who love Gretsch style in a smaller, more comfortable body. The solid spruce top  and maple back and sides  deliver a bright, articulate tone, while the Fishman preamp system  ensures it sounds just as good plugged in as it does unplugged. Whether you’re performing at local S