Guitar Tech in Northern NJ

[JMYMusic]

Hello all,

I am a beginner and am interested in having my guitar checked out by a qualified tech to be sure the action is just right. My chords ring clear and I don't believe I'm pressing excessively on the strings, but I do find that over the course of an extended practice session, I sometimes have to press a bit harder to fret certain notes.

I'm only a few months into this, so I'm sure things will get easier as I develop more finger strength and muscle memory. I believe the standard strings on the S6 are Godin A6 LT Phosphor Bronze (.012-.053) which I assume should be light enough for a beginner. In any case, it's hard for me to really know if my setup is optimal or not.

I'm in northern NJ and have a few of the large stores like GC and Sam Ash in my area. I was wondering if they typically have decent techs who can properly set up an acoustic guitar or if you know of private luthiers/techs that might be better. My guitar is a relatively new (few months old) Seagull S6.

Thanks for any guidance you can provide on this.

[SalFromChatham]

For a simple setup or smaller repair, I’d use these guys’d in scotch plains. They installed pickups for me, and also did nut and saddle work. Reasonable prices, and good job...

http://helpmyguitar.com/

Russos in Asbury Park is good too, but they are expensive, and you wait a few weeks.

The BEST if you need more serious work done is Brother Music in Wind Gap PA.

No one comes close to the quality of their work.

[JMYMusic]

Will check out the guys in Scotch Plains, as that's only a 30-40 minute drive from my house.

Appreciate the information!

[Mbroady]

Northern Jersey covers a lot of ground but if you are within a half hour drive from NYC you have Paul Neito’s shop, Guitar Tech NYC. He is on West 14th street a few blocks west of Guitar Center
He does some great electric builds but but is fantastic when it comes to doing all kinds of work on acoustics. He was my go to guy when I lived in NYC full time.

http://www.guitartechny.com/Home.html

[godfreydaniel]

Another option - Iron Horse Instruments in Orangeburg NY:

http://www.ironhorseinstruments.com/

[Striker6]

I live in Central Jersey and make the trip to Brothers in Wind Gap, PA. No one else is touching my acoustics after the work they’ve performed on my guitars.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by godfreydaniel

Another option - Iron Horse Instruments in Orangeburg NY:

http://www.ironhorseinstruments.com/

This is good to know, thanks.

[jonfields45]

Originally Posted by Striker6

I live in Central Jersey and make the trip to Brothers in Wind Gap, PA. No one else is touching my acoustics after the work they’ve performed on my guitars.

I have to agree these two guys are the very best.

[rpguitar]

I live in Bergen County (true North Jersey). Phil D’Angelo is my tech of choice in Fair Lawn. I do nearly all of my own setup work, but I shy away from frets. Phil has refretted or dressed frets on several of my vintage archtops, including L-5s valued between $5-7k. You’ll be in good hands with him.

[JMYMusic]

Looks like I have some good options, most of which are within reasonable proximity to my house, so thank you again for the suggestions!