Lightning Joe’s currently offers many musical instrument services including restrings, strap button installations, and guitar repairs.
We are an authorized Warranty Service Center for many manufacturers, including Martin, Fender, Squier, Gretsch, Jackson, EVH and Charvel
*We do not repair amplifiers, pro audio equipment, microphones, or effects pedals
Repairs and Services
Thanks to decades of experience and dedication to the craft, Lightning Joe’s has become locally renowned for expert repair service. Many of our customers keep coming back for our complimentary set-ups, which are included with the purchase of every brand new guitar, bass—or any instrument that we sell—for as long as the customer owns it, even if it’s a lifetime. This includes neck adjustments, intonation, fret buzz, nut filing, and many other quick fixes. We are proud to be offering this service to our loyal customers, who have had the potential opportunity to save hundreds of dollars on maintenance services for each and every instrument they buy from us, making it easy to get their guitars back in shape right away, for free. For used instruments and instruments purchased elsewhere, or for specialty services that are not included for free, here is a list of our repair service charges.
Please note: we do not take appointments. Repairs are on a first-come, first-served basis. You’re welcome to call the shop to ask if the repair you’re needing is something we do, but please understand that we cannot evaluate and/or give quotes over the phone – it is best to bring your instrument into the shop so we can take a look at it. Some repairs and restrings can be done on the spot, but please understand that most will need to be left in the queue with Lightning Joe, one of the Joseph’s, Jordan , Ashley or Megan. Turnaround times vary per repair, so we can give an estimated turnaround time when we evaluate your instrument. Restrings are usually completed same day, but might need to be left overnight to be completed next business day.
Restrings
Full Instrument Restrings:
Acoustic Guitar $15
12-string Guitar $20
Electric Guitar (Hardtail/Standard Tremolo) $15
Electric Guitar w/ Locking Tremolo System $30
Classical Guitar (Ball End) $15
Classical Guitar (Tie End) $20
Bass Guitar $15
Banjo $20
Dulcimer $20
Mandolin $20
Ukulele $20
U-Bass $25
Autoharp $150
Rickenbacker 6-string $20
Rickenbacker 12-string $30
Traveler Guitar $30
All restrings are accompanied by the cost of the set of strings you pick out. We offer string sets starting at $5 and ranging up to about $60, depending on your instrument. You may also bring your own set if you already have one. Restrings will include light cleaning at no additional cost. Thorough cleaning and fretboard polish can be added for $10-$30 depending on the condition of the instrument. Please note: we do not currently offer violin restrings. Please refer to the bottom of this page for our preferred violin technician.
Single String Restrings:
Acoustic: $3 per string
Electric: $3 per string
Bass: $3 per string
12-string: $3 per string
Classical: $3 per string
All folk instruments: $3 per string
Floyd Rose: $5 per string
Traveler Guitar: $5 per string
All single string restrings are accompanied by the cost of the string. Single strings start at $1.
Strap Button Installations
Single strap button installation $10
Dual (two) strap button installations $15
All strap button installations are accompanied by the cost of the parts you choose for install. Typically, a strap button and a felt washer is needed for an install. We have these in various finishes and styles to match your instrument. Our strap buttons range from $2-$5 each and our felt washers are $0.50 each.
Instrument Repair
Setups are a crucial part of your guitar’s longevity. Your guitar will feel and play better than ever when it’s setup at Lightning Joe’s. Please note: All quotes are given on a case-by-case basis following a careful, no-cost evaluation. Here’s a list of some general charges:
Setups:
Ukulele $35
Mandolin $50
Banjo $75-$100
Resonator Guitar $50-$100
12-String Guitar $50
Electric Guitar or Bass $75
Acoustic Guitar or Bass $50
Electric Guitar or Bass w/ tremolo system $100
Other repairs:
Neck adjustments: $20-$30
Smooth out rough fret ends: $10-$20
Replace pick guard: $50-$100
Rebuild original nut: $10-$25
Neck reset (glued in): $350-$750
Bridge Doctor Installation: $75
Convert electric to lefty: $75-$100
Shape & install bone nut blanks: $50
Pickup system installation (acoustic): $50-$75
Pickup replacement (electric): $50+ per pickup
Input jack repair/replacement: $25+
Potentiometer replacement: $50+ per potentiometer
Electronic troubleshooting: $25-$50
Electronic switch replacement: $25+
Replace tuners (direct replacement) with strings: $50
Replace tuners (drill holes for posts and/or screws): $75
Replace tuners (drill holes for posts and/or screws) w/ touchup: $100
Complete conversion-acoustic steel string to lefty: $100-$200
Intonation: $20-$50 (often needs neck adjustment for additional $20)
Shape & install compensated bone saddle: $50 (for drop in) $75 (long saddle)
Instrument cleaning: $10-$30 (depending on condition of instrument)
Saddle Height Adjustment (Electric Guitar): $10+
Enlarge End Pin Hole on Acoustic Guitar: $10+
Re-Attach Pickup Screws: $10+
File/Slot Nut: $10+
*Please note: We no longer offer sub out for refrets. Please see below for other local repairmen for any refret work.
With well over 150,000 set ups behind him, Lightning Joe has been dubbed “The Man” by his peers… “I wish I knew this stuff when I was out gigging and touring”… His influences can be seen and felt in the improved feel and setups of many manufacturers who have been inspired by his work, recognizing him as a master guitar technician (not to be confused with luthier) and employing some or all of his more progressive techniques and specs.
All prices subject to change without notice. These prices represent our current general pricing guidelines and may or may not apply to your specific instrument’s repair.
*Assessment and evaluation is always free*
In-house repairs: Lightning Joe
Off-site repairs: Jim Witt *instruments will be dropped off at the shop
Small repairs, restrings, strap button install & cleanings: One of the Joseph’s, Ashley, Bry, Jordan & Megan; Lightning Joe upon request and availability
Set-ups: One of the Joseph’s or Lightning Joe (per availability)
Our local repairmen recommendations:
Refret Work:
Ryan McEwan - National Guitars, Los Osos: (949) 633-1571
Jesse Buchert - Atascadero: (805) 925-8686
Amplifier repair:
Dr. Dan – Audio Doctor: (805) 471-3582
Dan Chiwee: (805) 489-5140
Violin Repair:
Don Lenker: donlenker@sbcglobal.net / www.centralcoastviolins.com (by appointment only)
Kurt Morrow: (913) 754-6620
Other guitar repair options:
Jim Witt: (805) 440-2986
Jesse Buchert: (805) 925-8686