FAQ Guitar Repair Questions

Warranty Repair Center for:
C.F. Martin, Taylor, Fender

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuning Problems

When your instrument simply will not stay in tune the first thing to consider is the way you wind the strings around the tuners post. String slippage is the # 1 reason a string goes flat and requires constant retuning. Take a peek at my article on string winding, it does happen to solve the majority of tuning complaints.
If that doesn't solve your problem see my article on Diagnosing Tuning Problems.
If it isn't an actual tuning problem (individual strings becoming flat or sharp), but a problem getting the instrument to sound in tune while playing in different positions up the neck I recommend that you read my article on intonation.

New Parts and Instruments Available thru Affiliates

The parts and instruments you see on this site are available thru my affiliate, Musicians Friend . They offer a best price guarantee as wells as a 45 day return period. Any questions you have about the products they advertise here must be directed at them. You patronage of these advertisers is what keeps this free informational site online.

Buying Genuine Factory Replacement Parts

Fender Parts Gibson Parts

Looking for a replacement neck or body for your Martin®, Gibson®, Taylor® or other guitar? Because of the very real threat of fraud, most factories require authorized service centers to purchase and install these parts.

This policy of part sales usually pertains to parts like these:

	Custom acoustic pickguards (like Gibson's engraved Dove or Hummingbird pickguard)
	Certain acoustic bridges (like Gibson's moustache bridge)
	Probably all glued on necks (Fender style bolt on necks are the only exception I can think of)
	Fancy inlayed fingerboards, peghead veneers etc.
	All peghead decals and many other items.

For this reason you will not find them sold or stocked by stores. These kinds of parts can only be ordered after the service center physically evaluates the instrument or it is sent directly to the factory. Parts available from factories are normally limited to current production models only and because selling instruments, not being a parts supplier is goal number one for most factories, wait times when ordering parts vary and are often unpredictable.

Vintage, Used and Hard To Find Parts and Instruments

I do not sell used/vintage parts or instruments.

Finding that illusive part necessary to complete certain vintage or older instruments can be a very time consuming search and rescue mission, and frankly, I am in the same boat as you.
I do not have an inventory of vintage parts.
I can offer some advice on locating parts, but those who contact me trying to locate parts will be directed to this page for assistance as I will simply repeat the following.

Obviously the internet is a great resource for locating shops selling vintage instruments and parts. If you're searching for a hard to find item that is difficult to describe I would highly recommend providing a digital photo if possible when emailing vintage guitar shops.
You can use the Google Search Engine below to search the internet.

Entire WEB Fret Not Website Only

Perform a search with GBase® Gear Mall. This site is an inventory database for a large group of dealers offering instruments and parts.

Search the Ebay® auction site. This is actually a very good resource for parts and instruments. I highly recommend signing up and starting a watch page which will notify you when items you are searching for are listed. Unless you're glued to your computer you may never know when an item you've been hunting for has come and gone.
Enter the instrument or part in the search box below and see if it's currently up for auction.

Does it have to be original? If not, consider using a replica when available. Links to new parts can be found here.

Buy a copy of Vintage Guitar® Magazine Contained within you will find an enormous list of vintage dealers, some with websites, some without. Now the hard part, pour over those pages and make countless long distance phone calls to see if anyone has the part you are looking for.
Not to appealing I know, but for those of you that are looking for that truly hard to find item or instrument then you may have to exhaust all resources.

Questions About Fret Not Guitar Repair

Fret Not is owned and operated by yours truly...Marguerite Pastella.
I am an individual luthier serving musicians world wide.
You can read more about me here.

Turnaround Time

Turnaround times will vary according to the type of repair and my current workload. In order to keep things manageable I occasionally stop taking instruments in for repair (or severely limit certain types of repairs/restorations).

Shipping Instruments For Repair

If you are interested in shipping an instrument for repair you will need to contact me prior to shipping. You can read about proper packaging guidelines here. Please be sure to print and fill out the Shipping Form also available on that page.

Estimates/Prices

I do not give estimates for repairing damaged instruments unless I can personally inspect them.

Authorized Factory Service Center and Warranty Services Available

I have developed relationships with several instrument manufacturers and have been asked to provide warranty services on their behalf. I routinely perform warranty service for C.F. Martin & Co., Fender, Guild, and Taylor. I also deal with numerous other manufactures.

It should be noted however that not all manufacturers have authorized service centers and some require instruments to be shipped back to the factory if one hopes to acquire service free of charge for warranty issues.

Hours of Operation

My normal business hours are Monday thru Friday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, however, I see customers by appointment only. Please realize that as an individual I can not have an "open door" policy. Much of what I do requires my undivided attention and it's vital that I plan certain repairs accordingly. I do my best to organize my time in a way that insures that I can be productive yet easily accessible. Answering the phone continually throughout the day is not always possible, however, I do my best to return emails and calls in a timely manner.

Payments Accepted

I accept cash, Money Orders, in-state Virginia checks or Cashiers Checks only. I do not accept Credit Cards.

Apprenticeship / Training

I do not personally offer apprenticeships. Those interested in a career of luthiery may wish to visit the Guild of American Luthiers or Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans. for more information.