Repairs | Guitar Center

One-Stop Shop for Services

Bring in your gear for all of your stringed instrument needs

Certified Technicians

Our techs can service a range of instruments, including vintage and high-end gear

Available at Every Guitar Center

With 300+ stores across the country, our Repairs service is never far away

Services We Provide

All pricing listed on this page is for labor only. Parts are sold separately. Starting rates vary by location, and the services required may vary by instrument. The Repairs tech will provide a full quote before starting any service. Read our Repairs Disclaimer for more information

Not every store is equipped to handle all services listed below. However, we can coordinate shipping your instrument to one of our advanced repair locations if necessary. Contact your local Guitar Center for more details.

Stringed Instrument Maintenance

Platinum Setup ($89.99–$109.99)

Signature Setup ($59.99–$69.99)

Restring ($24.99–$34.99)

Additional fee for non-standard instruments ($19.99–$29.99)

Additional Fee for Locking Trem Setups ($39.99–$49.99)

Fret Repair

Level, crown and polish ($159.99–$199.99)

Fret end dress ($59.99–$129.99)

Refret ($379.99–$469.99)

Partial refret($219.99–$269.99)

Additional fee for non-standard fretboards($59.99–$69.99)

Additional fee for stainless steel frets($79.99–$99.99)

Electronics Upgrades and Customization

Electric pickup installation($59.99–$69.99)

Acoustic pickup installation (includes setup) ($139.99–$169.99)

Output jack replacement($29.99–$39.99)

Potentiometer replacement($39.99–$69.99)

Hollowbody instruments($19.99–$29.99) per component

Custom wiring/wiring repairs*

Hardware Upgrades

Pickguard replacement (Pre-made)($14.99–$59.99)

Tuning key replacement($19.99–$69.99)

Strap locks/strap button repair($19.99–$29.99)

Electric Bridge replacement($79.99–$119.99)

Cosmetic enhancements*

Nut and Saddle Fabrication

Nut fabrication($139.99–$169.99)

Premade nut replacement($99.99–$119.99)

Saddle fabrication($119.99–$149.99)

Premade saddle replacement($89.99–$109.99)

Non-standard nut fabrication($39.99–$49.99)

Bone, graphite and brass upgrades*

Structural Repair

Humidification service($19.99–$69.99)

Headstock breaks ($119.99–$559.99)

Bridge reglue($179.99–$369.99)

Cracks*

Brace reglue*

Other structural repairs*

*Service offerings vary by location. Contact your local store for pricing

Looking for a service that isn’t listed? We can still help.

Visit or call your local store for more options about your specific needs and what else we offer.

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Upgrades, Mods and Repairs

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Restrings, Rebuilds & Beyond

Make your instrument sound and play its best with help from our expert techs

Frequently Asked Questions

I just bought a new guitar. Should I get a setup?

New instruments from the factory are set to stock specifications to accommodate the general player. A setup can provide a personalized experience to fine-tune your instrument to fit how you like to play.

Platinum Setups are the ultimate service to enhance the look and feel of your instrument. Upgrading to a Platinum Setup will make your guitar feel even better and stand out from the crowd. It will also preserve your instrument’s finish and make your guitar look and feel new for longer.

What’s the difference between a Signature Setup and a Platinum Setup?

A Platinum Setup is the ultimate service to enhance the look and feel of your instrument. It’s the Signature Setup cranked to 11. We start by removing old strings, polishing the frets and oiling the fretboard (dark woods only) for a clean look and feel. Hardware is tightened and polished with Music Nomad Pro products.

This is followed up by proprietary claybar detailing, an exclusive Platinum Setup service that pulls any debris from the finish that can’t be removed with only a cleaning cloth. Carnauba wax is applied to fill in remaining gaps and provide UV protection for a smooth, shiny finish.

To complete the setup, strings are replaced and nut slots are fine-tuned to their appropriate size. The action and truss rod are adjusted to your preferred specs to ensure the best playability possible. For electric guitars, the service is finished by setting pickup heights and dialing in the intonation on a strobe tuner, so your instrument is gig- and studio-ready.

Do I need an appointment to speak with a Repair Technician?

Customers can bring in gear anytime with no appointment necessary. Walk-ins are welcome during regular store hours, but turnaround times may vary from store to store.

If a Repair Tech is unavailable, your instrument can be dropped off and you will be contacted by a Repair Tech to discuss service details as soon as possible.

Does Guitar Center do restrings?

We’ll replace and stretch strings and remove any dust or fingerprints for a clean, smooth feel. Each string is then precision-tuned for optimal playability.

How long will my repair take to complete?

Exact timing depends on each store’s volume of repairs and the specific repairs needed. We always do our best to ensure your instrument is back in your hands as soon as possible.

Contact your local Repair Tech for estimated turnaround times.

Why should I upgrade my guitar’s electronics?

New pickups, customized wiring or personalized modifications make it easy to dial in your preferred sound and to get your instrument playing the way you want.

What if I don’t know what service my instrument needs?

No problem. Simply bring it in and have a Repair Tech check it out. We’ll provide a full evaluation of your instrument’s needs and recommend any appropriate services.

What does nut and saddle fabrication entail?

We’ll replace a worn or chipped nut or saddle for improved performance. Plus, we’ll customize both to perfectly fit your instrument and playing preferences. We can also upgrade the tone of your instrument with bone, graphite or brass options.

Are instrument evaluations free?

Yes. We offer free evaluations to help you find the best solution for the needs of your instrument. There is no bench fee for stringed instruments at Guitar Center.

Is it possible to repair or replace my fretboard?

For superior feel and sound, we can level your fretboard and repair divots, chips or flat spots. To extend the life of your guitar, our Repairs techs can also oil and condition dark wood fretboards and even refret your instrument. We can ensure precise action and intonation, and even extend the life of your instrument with personalized wire specs and upgraded materials. Switching to larger or thinner fret wire can drastically alter the feel of your instrument.

Does Guitar Center perform manufacturer warranty repairs on new instruments?

Guitar Center offers manufacturer warranty service for many brands and Pro Coverage for every brand. Please contact your nearest Guitar Center for more details.

What are the benefits of upgrading my guitar’s hardware?

No matter what style you have in mind, we can give your instrument the look you’ve always wanted with hardware customizations and cosmetic upgrades. We can switch out the bridge and install new tuners for improved tone and superior tuning stability too. Plus, we can install strap locks for added security during performance, rehearsal and recording.

Your go-to spot for expert stringed instrument repairs, maintenance and mods