Archtop Guitar Technicians

[MarkusF]

Hell,
I was wondering if someone knows of a good tech that can do an inspection and set up on my Peerless Monarch. I am newer to Jazz guitar, and purchased my Monarch about 18 months ago, in virtually unplayed condition.
I live outside Reading Pa, and I would be willing to drive closer to Center City Philly if necessary.
Thanks for the help,
Mark

[nyc chaz]

Dale Unger has his shop in Nazareth Pa.Can't do much better than him.

[MarkusF]

Thanks Chaz, I really appreciate referring Dale, the drive to Lehigh Valley is more doable than Philly.
Also, I forgot to mention that I was considering upgrading the stock Pickup, if anyone has any suggestions?

[Woody Sound]

In my region I have gone to my share of real boners. Wannabes. Turned out they knew less than me.

[213Cobra]

Hell,
I was wondering if someone knows of a good tech that can do an inspection and set up on my Peerless Monarch. I am newer to Jazz guitar, and purchased my Monarch about 18 months ago, in virtually unplayed condition.
I live outside Reading Pa, and I would be willing to drive closer to Center City Philly if necessary.
Thanks for the help,
Mark

You don't have to go all the way to Philly. Pennsylvania has competent luthiers all over. Some suggestions:

Tom Grant Guitars in Denver, PA.
Tone Tailors in Lancaster.
Oak Hill Guitar Works in Lancaster.
Morales Guitars in Lancaster.

While I live in Los Angeles now, I am from Lancaster County, PA and retain some family and friends connections there. So I have heard nothing but positives about the above. You have several options right in the immediate Reading area too, but I don't have references on them. However, if you Google "Luthiers in Reading PA" you'll get several options and links to local Reddit threads (r/ReadingPA) with recommendations, along with Yelp reviews. Contenders include Chaos Guitars in Fogelsville plus Guitar Doctor, Dave Lewis Guitars and Fegley Instruments, all in Reading.

Phil

[Aiq]

Mr Robert Scoby, his shop is at Martin Music in Memphis. The master. Ted Ludwig interviewed him in Jazz Guitar Today.

Who You Gonna Call...Bob Scoby - Jazz Guitar Today

He did nut, frets, and rewire on the lawsuit Howard.

But you have to drop off and pick up as he doesn’t deal with shipping.

For me six hours each way, twice.

Totally worth it.

[Rickco]

Ive had 2 Monarchs, exceptional guitars. I sent the stock pickups to Kent Armstrong for rewind, when he asked what I wanted I kiddingly said "either a BJB or JS" in both cases I got back the best floaters you could hope for hand wound at a great price and superfast turnaround.

[MarkusF]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions, I will check them all out.
Best,
Mark

[Bob_Ross]

I kiddingly said "either a BJB or JS"

Sorry, I'm not familiar with either of those acronyms
...or, wait, is "JS" a Johnny Smith? If so then what's a "BJB"?
thx

[skykomishone]

DannyW says
"The BJB was a revised version of the Gibson Johnny Smith pickup, and as Jim has mentioned, it was designed by Bruce Bolan. Unlike the Smith, it doesn't have adjustable slugs, and has somewhat more mid-range; it's punchier overall, but not as "hi-fi."



Since it's not adjustable, installation and string choice are more critical than with the Smith--it's got to be level and electrically centered under the strings. Despite that limitation, I generally prefer it to the Smith, and have it on most of my floater-equipped guitars, all of which have T-I Benson roundwound .012's."

[2bornot2bop]

DannyW says
"The BJB was a revised version of the Gibson Johnny Smith pickup, and as Jim has mentioned, it was designed by Bruce Bolan. Unlike the Smith, it doesn't have adjustable slugs, and has somewhat more mid-range; it's punchier overall, but not as "hi-fi."



Since it's not adjustable, installation and string choice are more critical than with the Smith--it's got to be level and electrically centered under the strings. Despite that limitation, I generally prefer it to the Smith, and have it on most of my floater-equipped guitars, all of which have T-I Benson roundwound .012's."

fabulous pickup! Unfortunately, impossible to find used.

[Woody Sound]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with either of those acronyms
...or, wait, is "JS" a Johnny Smith? If so then what's a "BJB"?
thx

Bruce J. Bolen

Bruce Bolen | Oral Histories | NAMM.org

[[email protected]]

Brothers in Wind Gap Pa. Their focus is on acoustic but they have worked on arch tops for me. Rich and Dave are both long time ex Martin employees both great guys and guitar gurus. If you go you should visit the Martin factory which is in the same area.