Thinking about a guitar repair business? 2 tips I wished I knew!

[@GuitarRx]

Not sure what happened to the sound at 9:50. Not like that on my original.

[@Dimiguitar]

The fact that you're open about which work you're comfortable doing, what you're most experienced/comfortable with, definitely inspires trust. I've known a few techs and even luthiers that had highly inflated "egos", which imo got in the way of doing good work.. Never mind that, in my opinion, even the most experienced luthiers have their own limitations, one way or another. As a guitar player, I feel much more comfortable dealing with people who are able to reflect this way.

[@GuitarRx]

Thank you. I really appreciate that.

[@petedazer3381]

Thanks. I’m 65, been fixing and modifying guitars forever, and am considering doing it full time now.

[@revivalmusic8063]

In 2016, I knew I wanted to be a guitar tech, so I went to my only local shop to inquire about a job. The shop had a bad reputation for less than quality repairs. The owner said they didn't need anyone. So, I dove headfirst and opened my own guitar shop specializing in used guitars. I quickly built a reputation for being a good tech. In 2019 I sold the shop and continued to be the tech for the new owner. The big C virus shut them down permanently. I setup a workbench at home and do guitar repair full time. I couldn't be happier!

[@GuitarRx]

Thanks for sharing that. I love hearing stories on how others made their way into the business. Do you think having and working in a public shop helped when it came to trust and reputation when you moved the business to your home?

[@revivalmusic8063]

It definitely did! I had quite a few loyal customers, and word of mouth constantly brought in new customers.

[@randyaubin5339]

Thank you for your words of wisdom. I am in the process of starting a guitar set up/repair business as a retirement gig. I have a certificate from a on line school for doing set ups but like you said I need way more practice and not comfortable with working on somebodys pride and joy. I would like to tallk with you but not on the world wide web. Thank You for putting this out here.

[@GuitarRx]

If you look under the about section. It should have my email contact. You can reach out to me by that if you like.

[@GuitarRx]

BTW. Goodwill auctions and the factory buyout section on Guitarfetish.com are great sources for finding broken guitars or ones that need some love. Where I get most of my practice guitars. Just stay away from all the old Sears guitars like Kay, and Global. I have dibs on those. LOL Jk

[@CyclopsGuitars8642]

Good video man!!

[@thedude6621]

Man great advice great video love the personal straight up vibe you give ive been repairing and working a music store and teaching guitar since i was 16 and been in many bands now im in my mid 30s its all ive done for income i stay extremely busy all the time doing repairs is a very demanding job i love it with a passion it feeds me and my family im the only working guy in the house the lights stay on and foods in the cabinet i got kids and dogs and my guitar and repairs pay for it all i never thought it would grow to the level it has got to be im so blessed to be trusted by so many great people i do come in and stay late on many days off to keep caught up lots of time away from home and family due to so much coming in and the need to make money with the hope of a good future for the kids i gotta say its a hard job to do takes lots of time and tools and studying everyday has a new challenge so to all wanting to do it its not always fun and you have to give it youre all and respect each instrument eaually 5 doller junker or 100000 doller rare whatever, it dont matter there all loved and special and know that anything can and will happen the good the bad and the worse like you said learn to repair your mistakes always make it right with the customer and turn down what you dont know or feel comfortable doing and even with that said anything can pop up and be a bigger job than expected and always be learning after hours and from my heart to any one starting to do this job or that has been doing this job know that were the guys keeping them jams and shows going and helping folks learn and that its a great thing to do and that you can only get better everyday you do it and that you can make a living doing it at the right spot and with enough trust from people and to never give up even when you have a hard day week month or year seeing those smiles at the end of the repair and knowing that the instrument you fixed will make many more smiles where ever it goes is an amazing thing to be part of im several beers in after a long day of fixing and felt this was as good of spot as any to post a sincere message to any reading it repairing is a real acheiveable dream to be the guy in town known as the fixer/builder just know it dont happen fast or easy and like most good things its worth it in the end from broke headstocks shattered necks smashed bodys to bullet hole filled acoustics busted bridges to lespauls with teeth broke off in them this fixer is rooting for ya be humble be kind keep your head down dont get a ego and keep going its a real dream thanks to all of you out there keeping these instruments running - local ky fixer

[@GuitarRx]

Very well put, and thanks for leaving that post. Good inspiration. Seems like everyday I'm screwing up but learning at the same time from it. It's definitely not the right path for someone that can't learn from mistakes. Mistakes are what help us grow or those bags of worms that pop up that you didn't expect. Just hate when it happens to a client's guitar. Thanks again. I appreciate you watching. One day I hope I can do it full time vs the part time affair I have with it.

[@user-qd2nh1fg1z]

I thought tip #1 would be getting a badass pair of overalls like yours, where did you get them pls? :)

[@mattjohnson3480]

Im still trying to land my first client for general servicing and set ups. I still have alot of things to put in place like WHO AM I lol

[@Jimmyd_Rocktalk]

Hey man! Awesome video… you are so sincere and straight up…. I’m very interested in setting up and maintaining guitars and have already done a few myself…. I’ll have to check out your videos…. I’m just working on a guitar now…. When I’m finished with my video I’ll tag you in the comments….take care and keep in touch.

[@GuitarRx]

Thanks just checked out your channel and subbed.

[@Jimmyd_Rocktalk]

@@GuitarRx thanks!!! Much appreciated…. Let’s grow together… Rock on from Winnipeg Canada