Chicago guitar repair/tech

[John Peacock]

Can anyone recommend a very good (quality work at a reasonable price) guitar repair technician in the Chicago-land area? I need some cracks mended on a vintage Gibson acoustic and neck adjustments on my tele and baritone.

Thanks.

[John Peacock]

bump.

[dewey decibel]

Sorry, none that I'd recommend over anyone else. If you feel like making the trip, I highly recommend Denny Rauen in Milwaukee-

Acoustic & electric guitar restoration, repair, and modification

[John Peacock]

Originally Posted by dewey decibel

If you feel like making the trip, I highly recommend Denny Rauen in Milwaukee

I'm moving to Milwaukee within the next year, so I appreciate the heads up.

Anyone else with some Chicago recommendations? Perhaps some that you'd advise against?


-Jp

[bcarr]

I would like to know this as well.

I have had Guitar Works in Evanston do most of the work on my guitars. I have had 2 refret’s done, as well as sanding down the necks so there is little bend in them. They did a very nice job on those two guitars. One of them as an old Gibson L-5. They also fitted one of my acoustics with a pick-up and an internal mic. They did not do as good a job on this because they had no idea about mic placement. So, I guess it all really depends on who is working in the shop that week.

I have a friend who uses Joe Campagna, in Clarendon Hills, for all his major guitar repairs. I have never used him so I can't tell you how good he is.

Good luck!

[Mind-Over-Midi]

If you are on the south side

Jery Loy (708) 671-0710

[nbarts]

Originally Posted by bcarr

I would like to know this as well.

I have had Guitar Works in Evanston do most of the work on my guitars. I have had 2 refret’s done, as well as sanding down the necks so there is little bend in them. They did a very nice job on those two guitars. One of them as an old Gibson L-5. They also fitted one of my acoustics with a pick-up and an internal mic. They did not do as good a job on this because they had no idea about mic placement. So, I guess it all really depends on who is working in the shop that week.

I have a friend who uses Joe Campagna, in Clarendon Hills, for all his major guitar repairs. I have never used him so I can't tell you how good he is.

Good luck!

Can I ask how the customer service was in GWs?

[bcarr]

I found the customer service to be good. If you go in, try to talk to Terry, he owns the place and he has the most knowledge. He may be busy in the rest of the shop so you may be stuck talking with the repair shop guys but I have had ok luck with them. It usually takes them 2 weeks to get the repairs done.

Good luck!

[nbarts]

Ha! It's funny, I've been there a few times when I used to live in Evanston just a couple of blocks away from it & every time I've noticed some sort of attitude from the personnel working there. the last time I was there I saw a cab I was interested in & I asked to fire it up so I can try it & it took them 15 minutes to go back & forth until I just got tired & left ending up buying the cab somewhere else. At the same time Flynn Guitars in Evanston has a good professional manner dealing with customers, I've been happy with the work they have done on my electric guitars, but nothings serious really.

[elambo]

Tim Schroeder is THE Chicago tech. He's the guy that the big name touring musicians tend to go to when they're in town and in a bind. I've been going to him exclusively for years and he's rock solid. Very knowledgeable and his work is perfect every time. A great and humble guy, too.

Schroeder Guitar Repair and Custom Building

GuitarWorks - eh, I have mixed feeling about them. Nice gear, nice guys, decent repair shop. Sometimes great, sometimes not so much. I bought a very expensive acoustic from them once and the wood separated a month after I got it. It had been kept in strict conditions of 40% humidity but their repair guy was brutally accusing me of drying it out, then seemed unsure about his ability to repair it to be "as-new again."

[nbarts]

Are they together with Makenmusic?

[benelli]

next door to makenmusic. first door on your left back there. great guy, best in town. does all our amps, guitars, the pedal steel, and our tel ray.

best,

josh

[mkeguitarco]

I am denny rauens former apprentice- I now have my own shop on the south side of milwaukee. I make custom guitars and basses as well as effects. I do all repair work as well. Check out my website www.milwaukeeguitarcompany.com. Mention this post and I'll knock 15% off your bill.

[3waytie4last]

Originally Posted by elambo

Tim Schroeder is THE Chicago tech.

This is the correct answer.

[nedorama]

Funny, I had my green telecaster built by Guitar Works back in '94 out of Warmoth and Stew mac parts - great back then.

Flynn Guitars on Green Bay Road may also be a good choice or know of others that can do this work; they tend to sell more vintage gear than Guitar Works.