Philly area repair shops

[soundworks]

Anybody have any input as to good vintage repairs/setup shops in this area. Decent return times, great work, etc. Thanks

 

[solsurfr]

http://www.superiorguitar.com/

In Conchi... reputable, authorized Gibson Service Center. I've used him a few times and his work is impeccable...

The downsides... a bit pricey and turn around times can be slow depending on his backlog.

Some of the restoration work he's done is simply awesome though. Great luthier and very knowledgeable.

 

[zensurfer]

I'll "second" Tim at Superior. Great guy too!

If it's just a setup or something minor though, try Rich at Bluebond (right off of South St.).

 

[soundworks]

Thanks guys. Superior is the one I do know about. I've never used him but have heard mixed reviews about prices, backlog and communication. That seems to be no different with many others over the years I've dealt with. Anything on JW Vintage Restorations in West Chester? Thanks again.

 

[garywright]

...if you don't mind a drive to Baltimore Phil Jacoby ( Philtone Guitars ) does outstanding work and can schedule you an appt for minor work while you wait.

 

[solsurfr]

Thanks guys. Superior is the one I do know about. I've never used him but have heard mixed reviews about prices, backlog and communication. That seems to be no different with many others over the years I've dealt with. Anything on JW Vintage Restorations in West Chester? Thanks again.

I use to live in West Chester and also heard good things about JW. I've never used him though. Another good guy is Nick Bucci at Bucci Guitars. He's done some inspections and is authorized for Fender but is a Gibson vintage nut and a restoration specialist as well. He use to own a shop in North Wilmington in Delaware. He now works out of his home in Claymont and has setup shop in his basement. Top notch work and very nice to deal with. Communication is a bit tough with him as he's in and out but turnaround times for my minimal work has been faster than Superior. Both Superior and Bucci have decent turnarounds if the work is minor... anything major they tend to take their time which isn't always a bad thing.

Bucci Guitars
904 Causez Ave
Claymont, DE 19703
Phone: (302) 791-9339
Cell: 302-562-8248
http://www.bucciguitars.com/

 

[585960]

have you seen the outstanding repairs that JW Restorations have done??:3zone Boy guitar repair sure has changed in the last 20 years!!!!

 

[soundworks]

Thanks for the response guys. JW Restorations does have some incredible repairs posted on there site and when I did a google they kind of stood out because of those repairs. I emailed before I did the thread and they got back to me in a couple of days so I may give them a shot. I don't have anything major but they seem to at least know what they are doing. Thanks again

 

[RickN]

Another good guy is Nick Bucci at Bucci Guitars. He's done some inspections and is authorized for Fender but is a Gibson vintage nut and a restoration specialist as well. He use to own a shop in North Wilmington in Delaware. He now works out of his home in Claymont and has setup shop in his basement. Top notch work and very nice to deal with. Communication is a bit tough with him as he's in and out but turnaround times for my minimal work has been faster than Superior. Both Superior and Bucci have decent turnarounds if the work is minor... anything major they tend to take their time which isn't always a bad thing.

Bucci Guitars
904 Causez Ave
Claymont, DE 19703
Phone: (302) 791-9339
Cell: 302-562-8248
http://www.bucciguitars.com/

Another :salude for Nick. I've been to Nick's house/shop on multiple occasions when I still lived in the area. The guy loves 'im some old Gibsons, and his work is top-notch.

 

[BCR/Greg]

I'm 1.3 hrs west, if you can't find someone that way.

 

[Tom Wittrock]

I'm 1.3 hrs west, if you can't find someone that way.

Plus, I hear you get a free cup of coffee if you come from afar. :ha



Seriously, I bet the drive is well worth it. Head out to Greg's. :jim

 

[BCR/Greg]

You get a free cup of coffee if you have a PULSE.

Tom, I expect you at some point.

 

[Tom Wittrock]

You get a free cup of coffee if you have a PULSE.

Tom, I expect you at some point.

When I can drive there in 1.3 hours, bank on it!
Hell, I'd probably bug you on my day off too!. :spabout
:2cool

 

[frank3si]

Here's my +1 for Rich at Bluebond Guitars - I've been using Rich since he took over in the wake of Dale Bluebond's death more than 10 years ago...

 

[zensurfer]

Here's my +1 for Rich at Bluebond Guitars - I've been using Rich since he took over in the wake of Dale Bluebond's death more than 10 years ago...

Wow...Dale B!!! :rip :headbange
That brings back a few memories for sure!

frank3si, are you local? I'm a few blocks away from South (walking distance-not that I can walk that far anymore though due to health reasons...but anyway...) and usually stop there at least once a month or so (when getting a ride). I've sold Rich some nice pieces over the past few years, including a '64 SG Special and a nice '07 R9. How about Joanne? She still plays with the band "Ike" (Major label recording artists for those that may not know). Really cool girl! Nowadays, I usually just purchase a few mags, strings, the odd effects pedal once in awhile and drop in just to say 'hi' and sometimes hang out a bit. Good peoples! :salude

 

[frank3si]

Zensurfer, yes, I live in NJ and am at work in Center City right at the moment.

For those who don't know, Dale Bluebond was a highly-regarded luthier who was best known in the bass community. He built some really gorgeous instruments used by some big names to hold down the bottom. Then Dale and his significant other were killed in a crash of Dale's Corvette. After some on-and-offs, the store was bought by Rich Chodak, who was an assistant to Dale. After getting to know Rich (and his former partner Steve) I've never taken my guitars anywhere else...