Acoustic guitar being played Leaving a guitar unstrung for a short period is usually fine, especially during repairs or cleaning. However, leaving it unstrung for long periods can sometimes affect neck tension, particularly on guitars designed to stay under string tension. If a guitar is being stored without strings, it’s best to keep it in a stable environment with controlled humidity and temperature. For long-term storage, many professionals recommend keeping some string te

Guitar with high-action A guitar service, often called a setup, typically includes adjusting the neck, action, intonation, and checking overall playability. The cost can vary depending on the guitar type and how much adjustment is needed. Regular servicing helps keep your guitar comfortable to play and sounding its best. Changes in temperature, humidity, or string gauge can all affect how a guitar feels over time, which is why many players book a service once or twice a year.

Guitar being adjusted One of the most common questions guitar players ask is how much a guitar repair will cost. The answer depends on the type of repair needed, the condition of the guitar, and whether it’s an acoustic or electric instrument. Basic jobs like restringing or a setup are usually inexpensive, while more complex work such as refrets, electronic repairs, or structural fixes will cost more due to the time and skill involved. For example, a simple setup can make a h

When it comes to keeping your guitar in top shape, finding the right expert can make all the difference. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, your instrument deserves the best care. In Southampton, there are skilled professionals ready to help you with repairs, setups, and maintenance. Let’s explore how to find professional guitar tech services in Southampton and why it matters for your playing experience. Why Choose a Professional Guitar Tech in Southampton? Choo

Music stands are a vital part of every musician’s setup. Whether you’re practising at home, performing on stage, or teaching a class, a sturdy and reliable music stand keeps your sheet music in place and your hands free. But what happens when your music stand starts to wobble, won’t hold height, or breaks? Don’t worry - repairing music stands is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical tips and tricks to get your stand back in shape, right here

Understanding the Importance of Instrument Maintenance On the bench this week is a Yamaha 200-4/4 violin. This solid student instrument has seen plenty of use. It’s well worth bringing back into proper playing condition. Regular maintenance is crucial for any instrument, especially for those that are frequently played. Common Issues with Violins The main issue with this violin is the tailpiece. The built-in fine tuners have seized. This makes accurate tuning difficult and put

Violin Bridge When it comes to violin tone, playability, and overall performance, few components matter as much as the bridge. Although small, the violin bridge plays a critical role in transferring string vibrations to the body of the instrument. Choosing the right bridge—or knowing when to replace or adjust one—can dramatically improve sound quality and comfort. Whether you’re a beginner, an advancing student, or a seasoned player, this guide will help you understand how to

Student violins often arrive at the bench with a very particular story. They’ve been loved, rushed between lessons, adjusted by well-meaning hands, and sometimes pushed just a bit beyond what they were designed to endure. This Stentor student violin was no exception. When it came in, the instrument showed clear signs of stress around the neck and scroll area. The fittings were misaligned, the neck joint had failed, and the wood fibers at the heel were badly compromised. While

Epiphone Dot Headstock Epiphone Dot Hollow-Body Electric Guitar The Epiphone Dot is one of those guitars that turns up again and again on my repair bench, and for good reason. Inspired by the legendary Gibson ES-335, the Dot has earned its reputation as a versatile, affordable, and genuinely musical semi-hollow electric that suits a wide range of players and styles. First Impressions This particular Epiphone Dot came into the workshop in classic cherry red, with the timeless

Squier Telecaster Electric Guitar Restring This Squier Telecaster came in for a straightforward but essential bit of maintenance. Even simple work like this can make a huge difference to how an instrument feels and performs. The job included a full restring, a general check-over, and a thorough clean. The old strings were removed, the fretboard and frets cleaned, and the hardware wiped down to remove built-up grime and residue. Fresh strings were then fitted and properly stre

Squier Bass Guitar Great bassist-friendly instruments don’t have to cost big bucks either — and there are several solid options that are fun, reliable, and well-built in this price bracket. Standout Picks: Squier Affinity PJ & Classic Vibe Precision/Jazz Bass – Legendary Fender-style bass tones made affordable. Ibanez GSR / SR Series – Slim necks and dynamic pickups, excellent for beginners and intermediate players. Yamaha TRBX Series – Comfortable design with a wide tonal ra

Selection Of Electric Guitars Whether you’re buying your first electric guitar  or adding a secondary instrument without spending a fortune, there are great options in the sub-£500 range that deliver quality tone and playability. Many of these appear across reputable gear guides for affordable instruments. Top Picks to Consider: Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster & Telecaster – Vintage-inspired tone and feel at a beginner-friendly price. Epiphone Les Paul Tribute – Classic rock

Electric Guitar And Pedalboard Unit You don’t need expensive boutique gear to sound great. In fact, many professional players built their tone using simple, affordable setups. The key to building a budget-friendly guitar rig  is knowing where to spend your money, where to save it, and what actually makes the biggest difference to your sound. This guide will help you put together a solid, great-sounding rig without breaking the bank. Start With the Guitar You Already Have Befo

Measuring Acoustic Guitar String Action Use this checklist when you’re in a shop or browsing online. If a guitar ticks most of these boxes, you’re on the right track. Comfort & Feel Feels comfortable when sitting and standing Neck doesn’t feel too thick or awkward You can reach all frets without strain Playability Strings are not painfully high off the fretboard Notes ring clearly without buzzing Barre chords are possible without excessive force Sound & Tone Acoustic: balance

Choosing an acoustic guitar involves more than just picking one that looks good. Small differences in body size, string type, and construction can make a huge difference to comfort, tone, and how enjoyable the instrument is to play, especially for beginners. 1. Body Size Matters More Than You Think Acoustic guitars come in several body shapes, each with a different feel and sound. Dreadnought Big, bold sound with strong bass. Great for strumming and singer-songwriters, but ca

Most musicians choose a main instrument early on and stick with it. Guitarists play guitar. Bassists play bass. Simple, right? But learning both guitar and bass can make you a stronger musician, a better bandmate, and a more employable player. 1. You Understand Music as a Whole Guitar focuses on harmony, rhythm, and melodic texture, while bass bridges rhythm and harmony. Playing both helps you understand how songs fit together. 2. Your Timing Improves Dramatically Bass playin

Buying your first guitar is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many shapes, sizes, price points, and features, it’s not always obvious where to start. This beginner’s guide breaks everything down simply, so you can walk into a shop or browse online and know exactly what to look for. 1. Acoustic or Electric — Which is Right for You? Acoustic guitars are great for beginners, require no amplifier, and are ideal for singer‑songwriters and folk or rock styles. E

When an instrument comes through our door, it doesn’t just get placed on a rack and forgotten about. Whether it’s here for repair, setup, or sale, every guitar and musical instrument is carefully labelled and tracked from the moment it arrives. This process might not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important parts of how we work — especially when instruments are repaired in-house and sold online. Labelling Starts at Intake As soon as an instrument arrives, it’s given a

Choosing the right bass guitar strings can transform your playing experience. The strings you pick affect your tone, playability, and even how long your strings last. With so many options available, finding the best bass guitar strings for your style and instrument can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed choice. Different types of bass guitar strings on a fretboard Understanding Bass Guitar Strings Bass guitar strings come

At Ryan Pearce Guitars & Basses, we’re more than just a 'from-home-business' — we’re passionate musicians and instrument experts who are dedicated to helping you find or maintain the instruments you’ll love for years. Here’s what sets us apart: Expert Craftsmanship & Honest Repairs Every repair, setup, or custom work we do is handled with care and precision. We don’t rush jobs — we make sure: Your guitar plays the way it should Buzzing, tuning and strap issues are fixed prope