Warranty Service

Barrett Guitar Repair provides factory authorized warranty service for C.F. Martin, Taylor, Fender, Tacoma, Larrivee, Gretsch, Squier, Jackson, Charvel, Benedetto, Olympia and Rodriguez Guitars.

Instrument Set Up

Guitars and stringed instruments require a major set up coming from the factory or music store for optimum playability and performance. Additionally, because guitars are made primarily of wood which moves in weather and humidity changes, periodic minor set ups should be included with proper instrument maintenance. Set ups on acoustic guitars include truss rod adjustments to set the proper arc of the neck, saddle adjustments for action height and intonation, nut adjustments for the proper height and seating position of each string. Set ups can also include a fret dressing. Set ups on electric guitars and basses can also include pick up height adjustment, individual pick up poles per string, individual saddle piece intonation and height adjustment, tilt adjustment of neck/body, tremolo system adjustment and more.

Fret Dressing

A fret dressing is essential for a great playing guitar. Even very expensive guitars often have not had a precision fret dressing completed at the factory. Guitars also have a settling in period to adapt to their climate, frets may have loosened, expanded or contacted in the fingerboard creating uneven fret height. This requires the action (height of the strings off the fingerboard) to be unnecessarily high, resulting in inconsistent sound and uneven playability. Guitars that have been played hard will often develop uneven fret wear. A precision fret dressing includes leveling all the frets to achieve a consistent height, crowning the frets to create an optimum shape and surface, and polishing the frets for consistent and smooth contact between frets and strings.

Re-fret Job

Older guitars that have been well played can have fret wear that requires a complete fret replacement. A Re-fret job includes removing the original frets, cleaning, leveling and preparing the fingerboard, and installing and dressing a new set of frets. Frets come in various gauges and can be tailored to the player’s instrument and playing style.

Heat Press

Overtime guitar necks can move and twist in ways that a truss rod adjustment cannot address. Barrett has developed a proprietary heat press technique that permanently straightens a guitar neck and allows an older instrument to return to optimum playability. The alternative to the heat press is a complete neck reset, which is invasive, risky and expensive. Barrett has developed a superior approach with the heat press and has used this method to save and restore many vintage instruments.

Guitar Restoration

Rebuilding and restoration of valuable or sentimental family heirloom instruments. Restorations often are of vintage Martin, Gibson, Guild, Washburn and other instruments that may have been damaged or fallen out of playability.

Folk & Bluegrass Instruments

Set up, repair and restoration of mandolin, banjo and dobros, including banjo head replacements and tuning.

Instrument Wood Cracks

Repair of cracks in the top, sides, back, neck, bridge or headstock. Includes proper cleaning, gluing and cleanup to achieve a seamless and stable repair.

Nut and Saddle Replacement

Custom crafting and installing of bone like material for guitar saddles and nuts for improved tone, sustain, and intonation on acoustic guitars. Many electric guitars can benefit from a hand carved bone nut as well.

Guitar & Bass Electronic Repairs

Diagnostics and repair of electronic components including pickups, pots, input jacks, wiring, and grounding.

Pickup additions or replacements

Installation and replacement of acoustic and electric guitar pickups. Barrett Guitar Repair stocks a large selection of pickup products available with expert product knowledge and guidance.

Guitar Appraisal

Vintage instrument assessment and appraisal for sales or insurance related purpose.