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.
Full Instrument Restrings
*Cost of strings not included in price
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$15 (add $5 for slotted headstock)
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$25
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$20 (ball end)
$25 (tie-end)
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$15 (hardtail or standard tremolo)
$25 (12-string)
$25 (Bigsby or uncommon tremolo)
$40 (locking tremolo system)
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$20 (6-string)
$30 (12-string)
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$30
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$15
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$20
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$30
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$20
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$25
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$20
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$150
Strap Button Installations
*Cost of parts not included in price
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$10
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$15
Setups
*All setups include restring labor and basic cleaning labor costs factored into price
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$75 (add $10 for 12-string)
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$75-$100 (non-tremolo)
$85-$115 (with tremolo system)
$130 (with locking tremolo system)
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$80-$85
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$75-$100
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$75-100
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$60
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$55
Electronic Repairs
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$25+
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$20 (add $5 per additional soldering point)
$45 (if accessed through the F-hole)
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$25-$35
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$50-$75
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$50-$60
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Electric Guitar: $50-$75 per pickup
Acoustic Guitar: $50-$75
Neck & Headstock Repairs & Labor
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$25-$40
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$350-$750
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$5-$15
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$10-$50
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$15-$30 (without shaping)
$50-$75 (with shaping)
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$10-$25
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$30–$35 base charge (no headstock modification)
$50–$135 (with headstock modification)
Please note: the strings will need to be replaced, and that cost is not included in the listed prices.
Body Repairs & Labor
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$25-$50
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$10-$30
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$25
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Re-attachment to body/pickguard/control plate
$5-$25
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$25+
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$100
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Intonation: $10-$30
Radius Saddle(s): $15
Saddle Shaping: $10-$50
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$20
-
$200
Other Repairs & Labor
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$10-$50 (dependent on condition)
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 and Joseph (with the beard);
Electronic repairs: Joseph
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, Jordan, Megan, Bry & Dayvon; Lightning Joe upon request and availability
Set-ups & Neck Adjustments: One of the Joseph’s, Jordan, 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