Guelph Guitar Repair is run by myself, Grace, and my husband, Jason (aka Jay). Between the two of us, we’ve got the structural, mechanical, and electronic sides of your guitar covered!
I was a licensed machinist when I married Jason, a killer guitarist! I became interested in repairing guitars, and when I started growing our family, I began offering guitar repair services. Guelph Guitar Repair has grown alongside my family; it was a part-time gig while my kids were very young, and as the last one entered school I was able to give GGR more like full-time attention. In the shop, I handle all the structural and mechanical repairs, as well as handling all communications.
In the beginning I started offering setups to family, then colleagues, and then to the wider public. Big thanks to Guelph’s music community for having faith in me, and letting me develop skills while they waited patiently for me to build up my service list. I grew my skills as they became needed, using resources like DVDs, books, and a couple majorly important mentors that have become friends. I am proud to be a member of a vibrant and supportive lutherie community that includes the ‘looths’ in Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Toronto and all around our region. If I don’t have a solution, I bet I know someone who does.
Jason is my husband and electronics Guru. He’s got a full-time job in the real world, but weekly comes to the shop to resolve electronics issues in our clients’ guitars. He’s been a guitar player since he was young, got his electronics technician certification, and capably rewinds pickups, replaces pots, and anything else you can imagine. Along the way, Jason became afflicted with the incurable, and unfortunately common, G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). There is no cure, but working on your guitars and especially trying them all out before they go back home, keeps the sometimes debilitating disease in check.
Your guitars are super important to me because I know they’re an important tool for your expression, and I am passionate about making sure they play well for you. I will always be transparent with you about the services your guitar requires. My goal is to diagnose your guitar’s needs, get you an estimate of price and turnaround time to approve before I get deep into your repairs. From time to time I come up against an unforeseen challenge, and you always get notified about the effect on the quotes. I hope to always maintain your trust through clear communication and attention to detail.
I hope getting to know a little more about us gives you confidence in bringing your guitar to Guelph Guitar Repair. One thing worth mentioning: my communication can sometimes be a little slower than I’d like.
If I’m slow getting back to you, there’s a good chance I’m elbow-deep in a repair, out at an appointment, or off on the occasional field trip. I try to give every repair the attention it deserves, and sometimes that means answering messages has to wait until I can step away from the bench and give them my full attention. I really appreciate your patience and understanding.
I look forward to meeting you, and especially seeing your guitar on my bench!
Let me make your guitar feel better than you remember!
Very highly recommend this business for your instrument repairs! Grace is an incredibly thoughtful worker and person. She cares deeply about your instrument and restoring it back to top shape in a timely fashion. I have been so happy with my Gibson Guitar since I had it restored! She also took the time to learn about why I got into music, what inspires me and about my life in general which was an extremely refreshing experience! I encourage anyone to trust Grace with your instrument.
Grace always goes above and beyond. So thankful to know that my guitars are ready for any festival or show that comes my way.
Guelph Guitar Repair is my go to place for any bass needs. The last time I used their services both Grace and Jay worked on my bass and it came out perfect! New electronics, pickup installation and a setup for a great price and quick turn around. Thank you Grace and Jay!
