Looking for a great guitar tech - UK content

[Chris1983]

Hi all

I’ve recently moved house within the UK and need to search out a good guitar tech.
I now live in the High Peak, Derbyshire, about 40 minutes from Manchester and about the same from Sheffield.

Does anyone have any recommendations for someone reliable to work on my guitars when the time comes?

Thanks
Chris

[JayBee1404]

You could check out John Le Voi in Alford, Lincs.

It’s a bit of a drive from the High Peak, but John is a superb craftsman and not excessively expensive. He’s worked on all of my instruments (and on others which have been moved along) on setups, fitting pickups, etc. and on every occasion I’ve been delighted.

Although he specialises in manouche/Gypsy-jazz guitars, he builds pretty much any type of acoustic guitar, mandolin etc.

http://www.johnlevoiguitars.co.uk/

If that’s too far to travel, you might take a look at Stuart Palmer in Doncaster...

http://www.stuartsguitarworks.com/aboutstuart.htm

Hope that helps...

[Dafgog]

Consider John at JP guitars Bristol. Has done some great work bringing guitars to life. Check his website

[LeftyKev]

I know a good one in Lincoln, but that sounds too far probably.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by Chris1983

Hi all

I’ve recently moved house within the UK and need to search out a good guitar tech.
I now live in the High Peak, Derbyshire, about 40 minutes from Manchester and about the same from Sheffield.

Does anyone have any recommendations for someone reliable to work on my guitars when the time comes?

Thanks
Chris

Tim Stark at Mansons Guitars in Exeter. He is the only person allowed to work on Steve Howe's (notoriously precious) guitars and does exceptional work. I entrusted a 1916 Gibson F4 mandolin to him for some attention with no qualms whatsoever. I'm not sure how often he works with Mansons Guitars now, but Jeremy Owens is another of their techs who has worked on my guitars for many years now, and is someone whom I trust implicitly to do a great job.

https://www.mansons.co.uk/workshop/technicians

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by LeftyKev

I know a good one in Lincoln, but that sounds too far probably.

Who’s that, Kev? I live a few miles from Lincoln but, since Karl Svarc moved to the South-West, I haven’t heard of another.

[Chris1983]

Thanks all.

Unfortunately I’m not able to do a ~5 - 7 hour round trip to drop my guitars off and then another one to pick them up again. Kids, job, WIFE, etc get in the way.

Doncaster is manageable if there isn’t anyone near Manchester direction.

[redwards]

I've used Jack's Instrument Services, Manchester, for my acoustics.
Friendly, knowledgeable, skilled and reasonably priced.
http://www.jacksinstrumentservices.com

[Philly112]

Check out Phil Hartley in Bolton. I've not used him in a few years, but he has a good reputation and has worked on a few of my guitars electric and acoustic. A nice guy, and offers a professional and personalised service.

https://guitarsetup.co.uk/

[MinorKey]

Ron's Guitar Services in Darlington. Has done wonders on my instruments over the years.

[Kevin L]

Hi Chris

I can recommend Jim Fleeting in Stockport. He's set-up my acoustics and electrics, he does all sorts of work including building guitars. He's a good player (I think electric bass is his main thing but don't hold that against him) and has done 'proper, formal' (for want of a better term) luthier courses.

Let us know how you get on.

Regards,
Kev

[steveh]

Jim Fleeting comes very highly recommended indeed.

Cheers,
Steve

[Wolfram]

Another vote for Jim Fleeting in Stockport from me. He studied at the Roberto-Venn School of Lutherie.

He's done some great work for me, including some very tricky finish repair work. Highly recommended!

Cheers,
David

[Chris1983]

Thanks all, a call to Jim it is then!

[Yrksman]

Jim Fleeting definitely. He’s worked on Kinscherff (2) McAlister and Collings for me, plus a fantastic job on my Hofner Violin bass.