Most common repairs

[Royce Kunze]

Hello all. I'm learning luthiery and have built a few instruments from scratch (guitars and mandolins). However, I realize I now need to start learning various repair activities which, according what I've researched, tend to be the bulk of the workload for most professionals. I imagine refrets and crack repair are most common, maybe electrical component swaps on electric instruments, too, but I have no basis for these assumptions. It would be great to see a GAL or similar organization's data set on what work is most done by its member.

In lieu of that, I'll throw this out to the forum: for those working luthiers out there, what are the most common repairs or setup jobs you do?

[Barry Daniels]

Electric guitars are usually setup issues or maybe a loose output jack. Acoustic guitars are usually setup and bridge issues and maybe a neck reset. Of course both types of guitars often need new frets. Cracks are not that common of a repair down here near Houston, but is likely much more common where furnaces are working harder.

I would recommend focusing on being able to turn out a world class fret job and setup. That kind of work product will get the word out and you can stay as busy as you want.

[dave richard]

As what Barry Daniels wrote, plus acoustic bridge removal(being able to do it cleanly, with minimal or no damage to the spruce top). That, IME, is one of the most challenging repairs.

[Royce Kunze]

Thanks, guys.

I've not attempted a bridge removal on an acoustic so that's definitely a skill I'll have to develop. I have to start scouring thrift stores for damaged instruments to practice on.