Guitar & Bass Setup & Repairs in Bristol
If you searched guitar repairs in Bristol, you are in the right place.
All About Guitar is a trusted local luthier in Bristol who treats your instrument like our own. I’m a hands‑on guitar tech based in Bristol offering professional setups, careful repairs, and tone‑first upgrades that get you playing your best.
Whether it is your main gigging Strat, a cherished acoustic, or your first bass, I dial in playability, intonation, and feel so the guitar helps rather than fights your playing.
Expert Guitar Setup and Repairs in Bristol
Care and attention to detail comes standard with every job.
All About Guitar provides professional guitar repairs in Bristol, working from our fully equipped workshop at Distillery II Studios. We offer expert servicing, setups, upgrades and restorations for electric, acoustic and bass guitars, helping players across Bristol find reliable, high-quality guitar repair services near them.
Every instrument and player is different, so I tailor each guitar repair and setup to your needs. A typical setup may include:
-
Truss‑rod adjustment for correct neck relief
-
Action set to your preferred feel
-
Nut slot inspection and lubrication or cutting if required
-
Bridge and saddle height set, tremolo balanced if fitted
-
Intonation set accurately across the neck
-
Pickup height and polepiece optimisation for even output
-
Full clean, fretboard hydrate, fret polish, and hardware check
If you are new to setups, start with a standard electric or acoustic setup. If you have specific issues like buzzing, dead notes, or tuning instability, I can diagnose and address those within the same booking.
What Are Your Rates?
We can service and repair your instrument no matter the issue, with pricing tailored to the specific work required. Every guitar is different, but here’s a guide to what you can expect. For an exact price, just get in touch for a free quote.”
Prices are an average and are subject to change depending on your needs or the complexity of the instrument.
Basic Tune-Up
From £40
Depending on what you need we can offer a light update or get a bit more extensive when checking over your instrument.
Some Basic Tune-up tasks include:
- Check and adjust as necessary string height at nut
- Check neck relief and adjust truss rod as necessary
- Set string height
- Check and adjust intonation as necessary.
- Check and adjust as necessary pickup height and pole-piece height (on humbuckers)
- Check electrics
- Set string radius at bridge (on guitars which have individual string saddles)
- Leave overnight and check finished set-up
Floyd rose/floating tremolo setups from £105
This is if you just want the reassurance that the guitar is setup properly and playing as well as it can.
Standard Service
From £80 + Free D'addario Strings!
By the time you need a Standard Service we will have run through all the Basic Tune-Up tasks, we then go further to get your instrument sounding excellent, some of those tasks include:
- Everything Included in the basic tune-up service plus:
- New strings fitted and tuned.
- Fretboard is cleaned, oiled and polished
- Frets are cleaned and polished, sharp fret ends are dressed smooth
We recommend getting your guitar checked and serviced around twice a year.
If you notice any issues with your guitar, like buzzing strings, strings that are too high, or trouble staying in tune, it's a good idea to get it checked out sooner rather than later.
Upgrading your guitar during a service can also inject new inspiration into your playing.
Deep-Dive Repair
From £100 + Free D'addario Strings!
We have brought instruments back from the brink of death, how much work, or the required tasks, needed to do so is impossible to know until we've had a consultation. But it is important to know that we have had years of experience and we're really good at what we do.
- Bespoke Issue Diagnostic and Repair, we will ensure your worn instrument gets a new lease on life.
- Complete Disassembly: We'll carefully take apart your guitar, removing all components like pickups, tuners, and hardware.
- Deep Cleaning: Each component will be meticulously cleaned, removing grime, sweat, and dust that can build up over time.
- Body & Neck Polish: We'll carefully polish your guitar's body and neck, restoring its shine and protecting the finish. Fretboard Care: We'll clean and condition your fretboard, ensuring smooth playability.
- String Change: We'll install a fresh set of strings, chosen from your preferred brand and gauge.
More than Just Guitar Setup & Repairs
At All About Guitar, the name says it all—and so does our attitude.
Whether you need advice on strings or support with a custom guitar build, we’re here to help.
Custom Wound Guitar Pickups
Transform your guitar's tone with custom-wound pickups built to your exact specifications. Whether you prefer vintage warmth, modern clarity, or a unique sound, every detail—from magnets to winding—is tailored to your style and vision for the perfect tone.
Custom pickups let you fine-tune your sound for any style, from blues to rock or jazz. They enhance your guitar's clarity, responsiveness, and character, creating a unique tone that’s unmistakably yours.
Old or Second-Hand Guitar Setup and Repair.
If you’ve recently picked up a guitar or bass you haven't played in ages or bought a second-hand one, you might encounter some issues. Don't worry, I can help.
As a “modern luthier,” I specialize in building and repairing stringed instruments. While I have a passion for working on acoustic instruments, I'm also well-known for customizing electric guitars. Whether it's swapping out pickups, fixing cable buzzes, or even building guitars from scratch, I'm here to enhance your instrument and playing experience.
Custom Guitar Electronics.
Our expertise extends to guitar electronics. If you’re looking to enhance your guitar’s sonic capabilities, we offer customizations such as fitting coil taps, kill switches, phase switches for single coil or humbucker configurations, and even piezo systems. Alternatively, we can seamlessly install any pickup of your choice, ensuring that your guitar’s sound is as unique as your playing style.
At All About Guitar, our passion for guitars and dedication to craftsmanship shine through in every adjustment, tweak, and customization. Elevate your playing experience with our tailored services that bring out the best in your instrument.
Free Guitar Repair Consults & No Obligation Quote
Electric guitar set up & repairs
Electric guitars often have adjustable or floating bridges (like a Floyd Rose), which can be tricky to set up. They usually use lighter strings and need lower action. Each string’s intonation can be adjusted individually, and most have a truss rod to control neck curvature. Many also feature height-adjustable pickups that should be set close enough for good tone but not so close that they affect string vibration.
Bass guitar set up & repairs
Bass guitars are set up much like electric guitars, but their heavier strings and longer necks require different action, truss rod, and intonation adjustments. Each string’s intonation can still be set individually using the adjustable bridge. The thicker neck handles higher tension, and the larger pickups have a big impact on tone depending on their height.
Acoustic guitar set up & repairs
Regular maintenance is essential for acoustic guitars since they’re sensitive to humidity and temperature changes.
They usually have a fixed bridge, so adjusting the action often involves carefully sanding the saddle. Because they use heavier strings, I aim to set the action as low as possible without causing buzz. Intonation is simpler than on electric guitars, but if the guitar has a pickup system, it can be quite tricky to fine-tune.
Guitar repairs in Bristol
A broken neck, faulty tuners, crackly volume pots, buzzing electronics, or dead pickups don’t mean your guitar’s a lost cause — I can bring it back to life.
Whether you need a repair or want to upgrade your pickups to suit your style, let’s jump on a quick video call. You can show me the issue, and I’ll let you know what can be done.
Request a set-up or repair
Do you have a questions?
All About Guitar, is ... well... All about guitars, so please give us a shout if you have any questions.
Visits strictly by appointment only
9 Furber Ridge, Bristol BS5 8PY
david@allaboutguitar.co.uk
+44 7813 097182
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer for guitar setup and repairs?
We offer a range of services including basic tune-ups, full setups, intonation adjustments, truss rod adjustments, pickup installations, and customizations for both electric and acoustic guitars. Our setups are tailored to your unique playing style and preferences.
Where can I drop-off my guitar for service?
We are located at 9 Furber Ridge, Bristol BS5 8PY. Please note that visits are by appointment only.
How can I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by filling out the form on our website or by contacting us via email at david@allaboutguitar.co.uk or phone at +44 7813 097182.
Do you offer video consultations?
Yes, we offer free video consultations. During the call, you can show us your guitar and discuss any issues or customizations you need.
What does a basic guitar setup include?
A basic setup includes restringing, cleaning all components, setting the nut, and truss rod adjustment.
Can you customise my guitar?
Yes, we offer customizations such as fitting coil taps, kill switches, phase switches, and piezo systems. We can also help with custom pickups and other modifications to enhance your guitar’s performance and sound.
Do you repair broken guitar necks and other major damages?
Yes, we repair broken necks, machine heads, crackly volume pots, buzzing electronics, and dead pickups. We can restore your instrument to its former glory.
Can you fix common guitar problems like high action and poor intonation?
Yes, our setup services can address issues like high action, low action causing fret buzz, and poor intonation, ensuring your guitar plays smoothly and in tune.
Do you setup electric guitars?
Yes, we specialize in electric guitar setups, including adjusting intonation, truss rods, and pickup heights to suit your playing style.
Do you setup bass guitars?
Yes, we provide setup services for bass guitars, including adjustments for action, truss rod, and intonation settings.
Why do prices vary?
Prices vary based on the specific requirements of each job. The listed prices provide a general estimate.
Guitar lessons for players of every skill level!
Unlock your musical potential at any stage of your journey! Whether you’re just starting out, returning after a break, or refining advanced techniques, our guitar lessons are designed to meet you where you are. With personalized guidance, flexible pacing, and a supportive learning environment, you’ll build confidence and mastery in genres you love. Let’s make music together—one chord, riff, and melody at a time.
