Best archtop guitar repair/setup in/near Los angeles ??

[MarkInLA]

Turns out my Ibanez 101f needs some small fret work and most logical action/neck tension set. Who can you recommend in L.A., with a good reputation but hopefully not too costly(could $100 cover it, say?). Bought it at GC. But aside from all the negative reports about them, they charge $50 for a simple, common setup..and about $150 for fretwork and other bigger type jobs...You'd think Ibanez would cover this for the first visit if within, say, first 6 months of ownership. [btw: I think McCabe's doesn't deal with archtops at all]
Thanks...M

[feet]

what part of la? i have a few names out in the valley if that's helpful- north hollywood/toluca lake area.

[MarkInLA]

what part of la? i have a few names out in the valley if that's helpful- north hollywood/toluca lake area.

Anywhere in or around Los Angeles .....

[Flat]

I've heard good things about Fren Asken. I'm planning to ask him to install a Dearmond reissue on my '45 L7, but I haven't met the man yet. He's near Culver City/Beverlywood. Might be worth a call or email...

Asken Guitars - Guitar Repair, Custom Guitars

David Neely on Sunset Blvd did a fantastic set-up on an archtop for me years ago.

Repairs and Restorations - Neely Guitars

[petermelton]

CB Hill is in Huntington Beach. He builds great archtops too.

[docdosco]

Turns out my Ibanez 101f needs some small fret work and most logical action/neck tension set. Who can you recommend in L.A., with a good reputation but hopefully not too costly(could $100 cover it, say?). Bought it at GC. But aside from all the negative reports about them, they charge $50 for a simple, common setup..and about $150 for fretwork and other bigger type jobs...You'd think Ibanez would cover this for the first visit if within, say, first 6 months of ownership. [btw: I think McCabe's doesn't deal with archtops at all]
Thanks...M

Nick Karahalios - Nick's Guitar Fix

Nick does all the tricky set-up work on my Peerless guitars. He was the repair guy at Norman's Rare Guitars for 25 years. He is great with archtops of any vintage. He has a fast turn-over and doesn't have a store front to support, so he is reasonable.....

[B3l5tele]

Seth Mayer at California Vintage in Van Nuys does outstanding work on archtops.

[feet]

here's who i've used:

affordable!
quick turns!
john wescott John Wescott Guitar Repair

overdelivery of service, lots of stories and he wears a lot of hats-
guillermo berrino https://www.facebook.com/l.a.mates.jazz

more... upscale
one of the best out there, but people know it. you'll get sandwiched in between stars:
andy brauer https://www.facebook.com/andy.brauer

all three in the north hollywood/toluca lake area

[stringmaster]

Upon Jonathan Stout's recommendation I've used David Rutchinski at Westwood Music. It's a hassle as I live outside of San Diego, but he's the only guy I trust with my Slaman. He just did a Plek job and setup on my Tele too--happy and I'm very picky.

[MarkInLA]

Thanks much for all the info. I'm sure I'll go to one of them.....Mark

[docdosco]

Just to fill out the list... Norik Renson in Studio City. He is really busy so you may have to wait a month. Excellent work. Also Carruthers is in Camarillo. There is another guy in Van Nuys that I really didn't care for (not Seth / Cal Vintage) so I won't mention his repair shop.

[HeyNow]

I used TrueTone in Santa Monica for a setup on a Les Paul a few years ago when I lived in LA. No complaints.

Not sure why McCabe's would not do archtops? They have all types of instruments in stock.

[campusfive]

Upon Jonathan Stout's recommendation I've used David Rutchinski at Westwood Music. It's a hassle as I live outside of San Diego, but he's the only guy I trust with my Slaman. He just did a Plek job and setup on my Tele too--happy and I'm very picky.

Yup, Westwood would get my highest recommendation. True Tone would also probably do a great job. Carruthers were terrible (for non-shredders), but my last interaction was 13 years ago (they wanted to put light gauge strings with super low action on my ACOUSTIC archtop - morons.)

[Neyzensia]

Hey guys, I just acquired a sweet an 89 L-4 CES Hutch guitar that needs some tuning up. Def needs a refret (stainless?), new tuners and pickguard. It also has a surface crack that needs sealing. *Any recommendations on where to confidently take it in San Diego or LA areas?

[deacon Mark]

If that is a stress crack it will need a cleat and based on length I would use two.

[Neyzensia]

If I’m getting a Stainless Refret on my L-4, think it best to go somewhere that can do a Plek. I know folks have differing opinions on PLEK jobs, but prob can’t hurt if I’m spending the $$?

[JasonBrandt]

Yup, Westwood would get my highest recommendation. True Tone would also probably do a great job. Carruthers were terrible (for non-shredders), but my last interaction was 13 years ago (they wanted to put light gauge strings with super low action on my ACOUSTIC archtop - morons.)

Hi Jonathan!
I'm a huge fan of yours and would be curious as to who you would recommend in 2023 for archtop guitar repairs. Since Westwood Music is now closed who are your other favorites? I currently have a Heritage Super Eagle with a small buzz in the body.

Thanks!
-Jason