Musical Instrument Repair Shop
How to Arrange for Instrument Repair
Call 517-999-9830 to discuss your needs with a repair person
How to Arrange for Instrument Appraisal
Call 517-999-9835 to discuss your needs with an appraiser.
Your instrument is more than just an object, it's an extension of your creativity and passion. That's why we've been servicing and repairing instruments since 1972. We were among the first stores to establish the policy of inspecting every instrument that we sell, a policy that's become even more important in the age of internet shopping where instruments can change hands without ever being checked.
Our skilled repair shop personnel inspect and set up virtually every fretted instrument we sell. From acoustic and electric guitars to resonators, banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles, we ensure that each instrument is set up for the best possible playability. When you purchase an instrument from Elderly Instruments, you can trust that it has been carefully inspected and set up to meet our high standards of quality.
In addition to servicing instruments for Elderly Instruments, our shop accepts repairs from customers like you. Our shop is roughly 3,000 square feet and includes a spray booth and machine room. With over 100 years of combined experience, our current staff of 7 repair experts has the expertise to tackle nearly any repair or restoration job that comes our way. Our high standards were originally set and maintained by some of the most talented people in the industry, and our current shop manager, Steve Olson has continued the tradition of excellence set by his predecessors.
At Elderly Instruments, we understand that trust is key when it comes to repairing and servicing your instrument. That's why our experienced and skilled repair shop personnel treat every instrument that comes through our doors with the utmost care and attention to detail. We know that your instrument is important to you, which is why we make it our mission to give it the same level of care that we put into our own. You can rest assured that your instrument is in good hands with the Elderly Instruments repair team.
Elderly Instruments Inspection and Setup Process
With few exceptions, every new or used fretted instrument that comes through our doors is inspected and set up by our repair shop. If we find a problem with a new instrument, we fix it or return it to the supplier. Likewise, we ensure that all used and vintage instruments we sell — unless marked AS-IS — are restored or repaired as needed to be in good working order. We do our best to make sure that an instrument maintains its vintage or collectible value on the assumption that “less change is more” to an older instrument.
Workmanship: Structural Integrity
We begin with an overall inspection of the instrument, assuring that all joints — braces, bridge, neck, binding, pickguard, etc. — are solid, tight, and secure.
Workmanship: Cosmetics
The finish is checked for any flaws, scratches, or other defects, and buffing and cleaning are performed as required. (For less costly new instruments, cosmetic issues are determined by each specific company's production standards, and minor flaws may still be present.) Instruments with more serious cosmetic issues are rejected and returned to the manufacturer.
Neck Angle
We check the neck to be sure that it is not twisted or excessively bowed and that the neck angle is sufficient to allow for proper string height and saddle height.
Fret Integrity
We inspect the frets to ensure that they are seated properly, dressed evenly, with the proper polish and crown. Any fret problems are addressed as required.
Hardware and Electronics
All tuners, bridges, pickups, switches, and other hardware are checked for proper function. We ensure that all volume and tone controls, pickup selectors, and other electronic components operate properly, free from noise. Adjustments or repairs are completed when necessary.
Setup
This is the most important step in the process. We check the truss rod for proper function, the nut slots for proper height, and the saddle for proper string height, ensuring playability and correct intonation through the full range of the instrument.