Every instrument we service gets the care it deserves, from setup to restoration.
Our bench is a small shop inside a vintage and boutique dealer. Most of the week goes to the instruments moving through our showroom: setups on new arrivals, prep on consignments and trades, and restoration work on vintage pieces headed for the floor.
That focus is deliberate, and it means we take on a narrow range of outside work.
Vintage Restoration
Vintage restoration is the work we're built for. Finish repair, structural crack and fracture work, neck resets, and conservation-minded repair on instruments where originality carries real value.
Glenn Nichols leads this work. He spent close to ten years as finish department foreman at Santa Cruz Guitar Company, ran French polish restorations for classical builder Kenny Hill, and worked alongside luthier Bill Tippin. He also builds Retrograde Guitars, which we've carried since 2018.
Restoration begins with an evaluation, and we take a limited number of projects at a time. Tell us what you have and send photos, and we'll tell you honestly whether we're the right shop for it.
For Instruments Purchased From The Music Emporium
Every instrument we sell leaves our bench set up and ready to play, and we stand behind that. Owners get a direct line to our techs for setup adjustments, seasonal changes, string and action questions, and ongoing maintenance.
If you bought your instrument from us and don't have that contact, email us with your name and the instrument, and we'll connect you.
Work We Refer Out
We're not a general repair shop, and pretending otherwise doesn't serve anyone. Routine setups, fret work, electronics, pickup installs, and warranty service on instruments outside our focus go to shops we trust and use ourselves.
Our Service Team
Joe Klompus
There's likely no Boston-based musician who doesn't know the name 'Joe Klompus' as a barometer of friendliness, taste and knowledge. Joe brings decades of experience as a luthier, touring musician, longtime bassist in Letters To Cleo, and guitar tinkerer to TME, where he handles our in-house repair work and co-manages the Fender inventory.
Glenn Nichols
While we've been representing Glenn's brilliant Retrograde Guitars since 2018, his experience with repairs and restoration work goes way back (and deep): Glenn was the finish department foreman at Santa Cruz Guitars for close to 10 years; was in charge of French Polish restorations for renowned classical guitar maker Kenny Hill; and worked closely with luthier Bill Tippin in his shop.
Other Trusted Repair Partners in the Boston Area
Steve Morrill | Boxborough, MA
With decades of experience in guitar repair, maintenance, and custom building, Steve Morrill brings an artisan’s touch to every instrument he works on. His specialties include precision setups, re-fretting, pickup installation, custom wiring and electronics, neck resets, crack and fracture repairs, and finish restoration, ensuring your instrument plays and looks its absolute best.
Steve is also an authorized warranty service provider for CF Martin, Guild, Ovation, Hamer, and Takamine, offering trusted care for your treasured instruments.
Dan Armstrong | Natick, MA
Armstrong Guitars is dedicated to the repair and restoration of fine fretted instruments, with a focus on acoustic guitars and mandolins.
Known for their meticulous craftsmanship, they are an authorized warranty repair provider for Santa Cruz, Taylor Guitars, and Lowden Guitars.