Al’s Guitar Services
Your Isle of Wight Guitar Tech
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
For quick turn-arounds or Enquiries Phone: 07376847632
Instrument pick-up and drop off service .
Loan guitars Available!EM: louis@alsguitarservices.co.uk
I’m Louis (or Al, ex-military nickname)!
CHECK OUT MY GOOGLE PAGE for the reviews of my services
Based on the Isle of Wight, I’ve been an over-lander for 12+ years and fixing guitars for just as long. Originally from Hartlepool, I bring quirky humour (and yes, a famous monkey) to my work.
With a background in advanced tech engineering, I offer expert guitar services—from string changes to electronics repairs. I’ve got hands-on experience and the right training and certification to get your instrument in top shape.
Pick-up, drop-off, and loan guitars while yours is being worked on. Let me help you get the most from your setup! Please check out my feedback from some pretty big hitters!
My Services
Set-up
A guitar setup ensures that your electric, acoustic, or bass performs at peak conditions. It prevents little things from going out of whack and personalises the instrument to your preferences.
I offer comprehensive guitar setup services to ensure your instrument performs at its best, by carefully assessing and adjusting key elements. These include:
Neck Relief: Adjusting the truss rod for optimal neck curvature.
Action Height: Setting string height for comfort and playability.
Intonation: Ensuring accurate pitch across the fretboard.
Pickup Height: Adjusting pickups for balanced tone and volume.
Fret Levelling: Addressing wear and ensuring smooth playability.
Whether you play electric, acoustic or bass guitar, our setup services enhance your sound and performance.
Experience the difference with a professionally tuned instrument.
Re-Stringing
It’s recommended to restring your guitar when the strings are old, dirty, or damaged, or when you want to improve the sound.
Sound: New strings have a brighter, clearer and more resonant sound, whereas old strings can sound dull and lifeless.
Feel: New strings feel silky and playable, while old strings can feel rough, tacky, or gritty.
Durability: New strings are more durable and less likely to break.
Appearance: New strings look shiny and beautiful, while old strings can look dirty and darker than their natural colour.
Tuning: New strings stay in tune longer and better than older strings.
Corrosion: Old strings can corrode from oxidation and humidity, especially on the thinner strings.
Dirt and grime: Dirt, oils, and dead skin cells can build up between the windings of the strings.
Electronics Diagnosis & Assessment
I specialise in guitar electronics setup to optimise your instrument’s sound and functionality.
My services include:
Pickup Installation and Wiring: Upgrading or replacing pickups to achieve your desired tone, as well as expert wiring for optimal performance.
Potentiometer and Switch Replacement: Installing high-quality pots and switches to enhance control and reliability.
Circuit Testing: Comprehensive testing of all electronic components to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Shielding: Applying shielding to reduce noise and interference for a clearer sound.
Custom Wiring Configurations:
I have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, I will help you achieve the best possible sound from your guitar.
Repairs/Upgrades/Advice
Guitars and thier Individual Repairs vary and are there too many to list! Also we have many areas where thre player may want to improve the Guitar.
Price on Application. Please reach out and we can discuss and assess any repairs, queries and advise accordingly.
Some items that are covered:
String Replacement
Fret Levelling and Dressing
Nut Replacement or Adjustment
Saddle Replacement or Adjustment
Neck Relief Adjustment
Action Adjustment
Intonation Setup
Pickup Installation or Replacement
Electronics Repair
Hardware Tightening and Replacement
Crack Repair
Fretboard Cleaning and Conditioning
Binding Repair
Hinge and Latch Repair for Cases
Customisations & Upgrades
Replacing cheap stock electrical components can help give your guitar more bite, clarity and definition, among other things, and can help open up the tonal diversity of your guitar.
Price on Application. Depending on complexity and technical requirements, we will have to assess on a case-by-case method.
Maintenance Pro
A full-monty service on all parts
This includes a full set-up, as well as:
Pickup Height Adjustment
Radius checking Saddle
Nut height assessment
Intonation set-up
Hardware Tightening
Electronics Checks
Fret Levelling, Crown & Polish
Full deep clean and lubrication
Report on any other findings and personal recommendations.
Nut & Saddle upgrades and Truss-Rod Replacements
Together, the nut and saddle are critical for a guitar’s playability, sound quality, and overall performance. Properly maintaining and adjusting these components can lead to a better playing experience and improved sound.
Price on application.
We will assess the current playability of the guitar and source the parts needed to your suit preferences.
Nut Replacement/Upgrade and exchange.
Nut Adjustments - Fender, Gibson, Epiphone and others
Nut height corrections
On some occasions, especially on Acoustic Units, Bridge and Nut adaptions and/or replacement are necessary.
Fretwork & Full Re-Fretting
Good fretwork is important for the feel of a guitar and can be the deciding factor between a good and bad guitar.
It can remove remove stubborn Buzzing and allow string Action to be lowered.
The services can include:
Fretboard Levelling
Partial Fretboard Levelling
Fret Level, Crown & Polish.
Intonation
Neck rounding, giving that worn in feel
Full Re-frets are available on Application.
Neck, Accidental & structural Damage Repairs.
I can offer neck repairs to Gibson/Epiphone necks, amongst other and their Scarf Joints. There will need to be a physical assessment before I comment on such work and expectations managed.
Supply, installation & Set-up of Bolt on necks
Price on Application.
Everything is possible, I have had several damaged necks on my bench and customers have been very happy with the results!
Depending on complexity and technical requirements, we will have to assess on a case-by-case basis.
Pick up & Drop off Services available from £15 Island wide!!
For this fee, your Instrument will be transported with all the due care and attention it deserves to and from your doorstep!!
Testimonials/Reviews
What people are saying: (also please check out my Google 5 Star Ratings!!!)
Great Timely Repairs and Service! My now "go-to" guitar Tech on the Island
Graeme Barker, Guitar and Music Instructor, Sandown IoW
Fixed my broken neck! Epiphone LP Standard
Also did a bonus set-up as part of the process, great stuff and thank you! I'll be back again!
Diana P
My beloved PRS back after a set-up
My Guitar now back to its former glory, thank you!
Herman G, Tourist IoW
Set-up my new guitar whilst I was away at sea!
It now plays much much better and I am again enjoying my learning curve! Thanks Chief!!
Mark 2nd Engineer at Super Yacht.
Same day turnaround was available and the standards where excellent!
“Simple, Effective and Ace works, Very happy with the work completed, Thanks Louis”
G. Marsh Oct 2024 (London Area)
Drop off and Pick Service was great. Woodworks are solid!
We requested use of the Pick service and Louis Personally came to the other side of the island, work done is great and excellent value
Andrew, Chef, Freshwater IoW
MORE AVAILABLE on GOOGLE!!