Seeking Luthier in Connecticut

[blind radish]

I have some work I need done and am looking for a good luthier in Conneticut -- north eastern part of the state preferred.

anybody got any recommendations?

Also, while I have your ears, I heard you can polish rough fret ends with a dremel tool.

Anybody have any advice/experience on doing this?

thanks

 

[Rob DiStefano]

...Also, while I have your ears, I heard you can polish rough fret ends with a dremel tool.

Anybody have any advice/experience on doing this?

thanks

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "rough fret ends".

If you mean fret ends that've popped out because the fingerboard shrunk due to a low humidity environment, that's a job for a single cut file (to file the ends flush with the fretboard side), then the ends are dressed round with a "safe" file, then polished with progressive grits from 600 through 1200. Then end result (pun intended) is nicely rounded and highly polished fret ends that feel like smooth silk to your fretting hand.

In any event - personally, I'd never use a Dremel tool to polish or grind any part of a fret - too much can easily be taken off way too quickly, even with grit polishing compound. YMMV.

 

[blind radish]

thanks ...

Yes,

fret sprout is my problem. I filed the ends as you surmised, now I want to dress the ends.

I'll take your suggestions, and, visit your site.

Thanks ....

 

[Rob DiStefano]

This is the Stew-Mac fret end dressing file I use ...

image removed

... one side is ground flat, with rounded edges - this safe edge protects the fingerboard as you make 2-3 passes on each side of each fret end. This takes the sharp edge off the ends, that the filing left. After dressing the ends, I use 600 Klingspor wrapped on a foam block to round off and buff, followed by 1500, 2400, 4000, 6000, 8000, and 12000 Micro Mesh. Does a wonderful job.

 

[Michael R]

I don't know anyone in that area but my brother lives in Willington and has been using the same luthier in the Webster MA area for years. If someone else can't reccomend anyone closer or you don't mind going up there I can get you the contact info.

I've tried a dremmel before and Rob D. is correct, if you are going to use one you need a very light touch.

 

[Teletwang]

Don't know of anyone in your immediate area but
just a quick drive down I-395 to Caruso's in New London
will get you to Ken Nash. Just a great talent.

 

[Rob DiStefano]

I mean this to come off as strictly informational and not a plug for business - if you have a bolt-on neck in need of work, you could just send off your neck to a luthier for a refret, or level and crown or a nut, etc. All the fretwork can be done without the neck on a body. Nut work requires a body, and I use a surrogate body to insure the nut relief is properly set ... it does waste a set of strings, but that's a minimal expense. Shipping off a neck is cheaper and less worrisome than shipping off an entire guitar.

 

[PeterUK]

I mean this to come off as strictly informational and not a plug for business - if you have a bolt-on neck in need of work, you could just send off your neck to a luthier for a refret, or level and crown or a nut, etc. All the fretwork can be done without the neck on a body. Nut work requires a body, and I use a surrogate body to insure the nut relief is properly set ... it does waste a set of strings, but that's a minimal expense. Shipping off a neck is cheaper and less worrisome than shipping off an entire guitar.

Rob

Don't be ashamed to plug yourself for business! Your contributions have been excellent and invaluable and I for one wouldn't think twice about sending my stuff to you. Just a small issue of about 4000-miles!

Your "tutorial" on cutting a nut was a great inspiration and I used it to cut my first nut sometime ago.

Thank you. I hope you continue to get referrals from this community in reward for your unselfish and highly informative posts and comments.

Very best regards

Peter

 

[Kevin]

Hey! That's my neck!

And he did a great job, guys.

 

[geddyleedog]

Luthier

I found an awesome luthier. He's the real deal. He's not really a music store, he just restores vintage (and other) guitars for people. He does have a dozen or so guitars for sale but that's about it. IMHO this guy is the best. I'm not 100 percent sure about the name of the place. It's Springmeyer vintage guitars or something like that. The only part I'm sure of is Springmeyer. If you think you're interested let me know and I can drive by and get the exact name so you can contact him. The only problem is that unfortunately he's in Watertown (Northwest CT).

 

[bongo]

suggest Guitar Works / Mike Mascagna (203-799-6157) in Orange,ct. I have used him for fret repair, fret filing, set ups, fret replacement, electronics, etc and he is very good. I know he does extensive repair and customizing work also. I found him thru a very positive recommendation from G-Guitars in New Haven. give him a call
jb