Fretwork by GB sets up and repairs acoustic guitars at a workshop in Kingsclere, near Newbury and Basingstoke. From a high action on a new guitar to a lifting bridge on an old favourite, every job gets a free assessment and a fixed price before any work starts.
Acoustic prices
Common acoustic problems
High action or hard to play
Most acoustics leave the factory with a high action. A setup adjusts the neck relief, lowers the saddle and checks the nut slots, so the guitar plays easily without buzzing.
Lifting bridge or bulging top
If you can slide paper under the back edge of the bridge, it needs attention before it pulls away. A re-glue (£180) fixes it properly and stops the belly bulge getting worse.
Cracks
Cracks often appear after a cold snap or a stint near a radiator. Catching them early keeps the repair simple. Bring it in for a free assessment.
Worn frets
Years of open chords wear grooves in the first few frets. A fret dress (£120 including setup) levels and re-crowns them so notes ring cleanly again.
Looking after your acoustic
- Keep it in its case when you're not playing, away from radiators and windows.
- Watch for changes as the heating comes on in autumn: a dropping action or sharp fret ends are signs the wood is drying out.
- Get it set up once a year, ideally as the seasons change.
How it works
- Get in touch. Call, WhatsApp or email Gary with what the guitar is doing. You'll get a free, honest quote within 24 hours.
- Drop off by appointment at Upper House Farm, Union Lane, Kingsclere RG20 4ST. Open Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Sat–Sun 10am–4pm, by appointment.
- Work begins. Turnaround is fast, and you're kept updated by WhatsApp throughout.
- Collect and play. All work is fully guaranteed. If something isn't right, Gary makes it right.
What acoustic players say
"Gary is the best luthier I've ever used and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone in the music business wanting a professional, reasonably priced service with great end results."
"My Taylor GS Mini had been played hard for many years. Gary set the guitar up perfectly, lowering the action, dressing the highly worn frets and dealing with a crack on the body. The guitar has absolutely been transformed."
Questions
How much does an acoustic guitar setup cost?
£60 for a full acoustic setup: action, relief, intonation, nut check and fretboard conditioning.
My acoustic bridge is lifting. Can it be fixed?
Yes. A bridge re-glue is £180. The bridge is removed with controlled heat, both surfaces are cleaned and prepared, and it is re-glued with proper cauls.
Can you repair a crack in an acoustic guitar?
Usually, yes. Cracks are assessed for free first, because the right repair depends on where the crack is and how far it has spread.
Acoustic not playing right?
Free assessment and a fixed price before any work starts.
See the full price list, recent work or all 98 five-star reviews.