Pickup Change for 335 - Luthier/Good tech in Oakland CA wanted

[omphalopsychos]

I’m looking for a skilled and trustworthy tech or luthier within about 10 miles of Oakland to swap pickups on my 335. I’d usually handle it myself, but as you know, it’s a tricky job, and I want to make sure it’s done right.


SF Guitarworks does great work, but their turnaround time is long, and they only take drop-offs on Saturdays now, which doesn’t work for me with the bridge traffic. A few local shops I checked are booked until mid-March. The guys at Oakland Guitars are great, but I’m not sure this is their kind of job, and I’d be hesitant to hand this guitar over for something this technical.


If you have a go-to person for this kind of work in the area, I’d really appreciate the recommendation. Thanks in advance!

[Stringswinger]

If you are willing to drive to Soquel and meet up with Gerard at House of Twang, you could drop off the 335 and then come sit in on my Capitola gig (Every Thursday 5-7:15). Gerard does excellent work.

Here is a link to his website:

The House of Twang

[Gitfiddler]

Over the years I've had excellent repair service from Berkeley's Gary Brawer and San Mateo's Terry Hiatt.

Gary Brawer Guitar Repair, Berkeley, CA 94701, US - MapQuest

GUITAR REPAIRS | mysite

[starjasmine]

I'd recommend Al Milburn in Kensington, who did a great refret and other work on my Byrdland, but I've lost touch with him. His old phone is disconnected and emails seem to go into a black hole. I know he had some health issues... does anyone know his status?

[Marty Grass]

What I can tell you is that it is a good idea to find someone who has done this a lot. Most good luthiers have. The Gibson crew in Kalamazoo back in the day made their own tools to put the pots in the holes after the harness was made. It looked like they fashioned coat hangers into tools. Some will use dental floss to pull the pots up.

I've seen the old school Gibson workers put in a harness quickly and easily, but it takes some practice and skill. Heritage semis are worse because the guitar cavity is shallower.

I watched videos and understood the process. I'll bet I spent an hour the first time. Then a master Gibson builder showed me how he does it. It took about five minutes.

[rpjazzguitar]

John Jordan in Concord.

[omphalopsychos]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

I didn't know Gary Brawer was doing work out of Berkeley. I know him from Real guitars in SF. That will probably be the most convenient route for me assuming he has bandwidth for the job.


SS, I've heard great things about house of twang and I'd love to come sit in with you! Unfortunately a drive to SC on a weeknight is not in the cards for me.

[Mick-7]

SF Guitarworks does great work, but their turnaround time is long, and they only take drop-offs on Saturdays now, which doesn’t work for me with the bridge traffic.

For the record, they also have a shop in Petaluma, excellent work with quick turn-around times. Off the beaten path but worth it if you live in the area.

[dconeill]

...
I've seen the old school Gibson workers put in a harness quickly and easily, but it takes some practice and skill. ...
I'll bet I spent an hour the first time. Then a master Gibson builder showed me how he does it. It took about five minutes.

Now that would be a good video to see. Propagate those skills!

[omphalopsychos]

For the record, they also have a shop in Petaluma, excellent work with quick turn-around times. Off the beaten path but worth it if you live in the area.

Same shop and same turnaround time. The sf location is just a counter to pick up and drop off gear. They do all the work in Petaluma and their quality is fantastic.

Geoff does my refrets and I think he’s on par with the absolute best.

[bluejaybill]

Same shop and same turnaround time. The sf location is just a counter to pick up and drop off gear. They do all the work in Petaluma and their quality is fantastic.

Geoff does my refrets and I think he’s on par with the absolute best.

yup, another vote for Geoff, and yes, he moved his shop out to Petaluma. It’s fun going over there. He does indeed get backed up though.

[msjazz]

Have you tried Wood Street Guitar Repair? They are in Oakland, and do great work. Curious what pickups you are installing in your 335? I'm considering changing the pickups in my 335 as well...

[omphalopsychos]

I have an appointment at woods next Monday. Nobody else was available sooner. Fingers crossed.

”working” musicians will throw shade but Ron Ellis LRP. I have them in a les Paul and they’re amazing. Noticeably great in a band setting, not just for corksniffers.

[bluejaybill]

Do you know anything bout the specs on those LRP pickups? They look interesting.