Pricing
Inspection first. Clear options. No surprises.
Every guitar I work on starts with a $50 bench fee.
If your guitar isn’t playing, sounding, or behaving the way it should, the first step isn’t guessing it’s a careful inspection.
The Altoona Guitar Co. is a one-person luthier shop focused on inspection-first guitar repair.
I take on a limited number of instruments so I can evaluate them carefully, explain findings clearly, and do the work properly.
Why Inspection First?
Guitars vary widely in construction, condition, and history. Problems that seem simple from the outside often aren’t.
Starting with an inspection helps:
Avoid unnecessary work
Identify related or hidden issues
Prevent surprise costs later
Because of this, I don’t provide repair quotes sight-unseen.
Being Thorough
Estimate Presentation
After inspection, you'll receive an estimate presentation:
Instrument details
Customer reported issues
Additional issues found
Approaches to resolving issues
Pros & Cons, risks, cost and time estimates for each approach
Staged repair recommendations (where applicable)
You Decide
The goal of the estimate doc is to provide you with as much information as necessary for you to make the right choice. No surprises. If there's a recommendation, I make it, but I don't force it upon you. If there's risks, I tell you what could happen. If there's a staged approach or middles grounds, I let you know.
Remember, I don't start work until you decide how you want to proceed.
You can even decide to walk away and take this information with you elsewhere - you'll be that much more informed.
Your Choice
Ready to get started?
Text (267) 437-1944 any time with your guitar type, issue, and photos. I’ll review the information and respond with next steps.