The adjustable saddle was a feature of many 60s and 70s acoustic guitar models, like this Gibson SJ.
The concept was to allow players to adjust the saddle height with the two screws mounted through the soundboard.
The result is an instrument that is louder, achieves better tone, and is fully reversible to maintain its vintage cred.
The adjustable saddle was a feature of many 60s and 70s acoustic guitar models, like this Gibson SJ.
A great example of the unique Vega Cylinder-back Mandolin built in Boston between 1914 and 1922.
The first thing to address is the split soundboard.
Who knows when this instrument was last strung to pitch? Sounds like it did a century ago.
A great example of the unique Vega Cylinder-back Mandolin built in Boston between 1914 and 1922.
A nice example of a (Levin) Goya from the early 70s.
The original frets are not sitting well, and they're cut too short and crowned poorly, which is causing the high E string to slip off the upper fretboard. So we'll re-fret it.
The guitar is in great shape, and the new frets make it more comfortable to play.
A nice example of a (Levin) Goya from the early 70s.
A mid-2000s American Telecaster in butterscotch. Great condition...
...except for the nut, which has cracked and chipped out (either through a defect or impact).
Absolutely classic.
A mid-2000s American Telecaster in butterscotch. Great condition...
A beautiful Martin OM.
We're installing the Martin Goldplus piezo pickup.
Setup and ready to plug in!
A beautiful Martin OM.
ROB GRIFFEN
In 2008 and 2009, I studied lutherie (the building and repair of string instruments) at the shop of Becker and Cumpiano in Massachusetts. I left with a foundation in craft and technique, and a fundamental approach to the work that has served me ever since. Over the next decade, I continued to gain experience with the National Stringed Instrument Repair Clinic at UW–Madison, as well as hand tool woodworking and finishing coursework nationwide and in the UK.
I work with The Heirloom Craftsman in beautiful downtown Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, a woodworks shop dedicated to antique repair and building bespoke furniture using traditional joinery and finishes.
New or vintage, acoustic or electric. From a simple setup to a full restoration, get in touch, and let's talk about your instrument and how I can help.
FREE EVALUATION
While many repairs are straightforward, string instruments often present unique and hidden issues, making a hands-on assessment essential for an accurate estimate.
Get in touch, and we can find a time to meet at the shop for a free evaluation of your instrument. We'll identify problems and create a plan to get your instrument back to performing and looking its best.
CONTACT
Griffen String Repair & Restoration
at The Heirloom Craftsman
212 E Lincoln St.
Mount Horeb, WI 53562