Having your guitar professionally set up or repaired: what does it cost?
Gitaar Afstellen Nederland
We think it’s important to be transparent about our prices. That’s why all of our locations use the same rates. Our motto: no unexpected surprises. In this blog we list all of our prices: what a full setup costs, what is included and what specific jobs cost, such as replacing pickups or slotting a new nut.
What a full setup costs
A full setup costs €75. That applies to electric guitars, acoustic guitars, classical guitars and bass guitars. A full guitar maintenance service includes the following:
- Replacing the strings/restring
- Adjusting the action (i.e. the string height relative to the neck and frets)
- Adjusting the pickups (i.e. the pickup height relative to the strings)
- Adjusting the truss rod (i.e. setting the neck curvature)
- Intonating the bridge saddles (i.e. ensuring accurate pitch across the neck)
- Checking the electronics (i.e. pickups, jacks, pots and switches)
- Cleaning and conditioning the fretboard
- Cleaning and polishing the frets
- Cleaning the body
Please note that the adjustments needed and possible may vary per instrument. All adjustments are noted in the Instrument Passport, a maintenance booklet that clearly details how your guitar or bass has been set up and what work has been carried out. In case your instrument needs any specialised adjustments or repairs, we will always discuss it with you first.
The price of guitar or bass strings
Installing new strings is included in the price of a setup, the cost of the set itself, however, is not. That sounds odd, but it’s a deliberate choice: string choice is personal, and which gauge or brand suits you depends on your playing style. Many customers therefore bring their own set of strings. If you don’t have one, we offer a set of standard strings at the following rates:
- Standard gauge acoustic and electric guitar strings: €10
- Strings for a 12-string guitar: €15
- Bass strings: €20
Do you prefer a specific type of strings? No problem, we’re happy to order them for you at a fair price. Just let us know when you book your appointment and we’ll take care of the rest. Want to learn more about strings? Check out our blog “all about strings”.
When an additional fee applies
For 12-string guitars we charge an extra fee of €15, which brings the cost of a full setup to €90 excluding the cost of strings. For guitars with a Floyd Rose-style tremolo we charge an extra fee of €20, bringing it to €95 excluding the cost of strings. These types of guitar simply take more time and require a great deal of precision.
Prices for custom guitar maintenance
Don’t need a full setup, but need a specific repair or modification done? Or is something broken? No problem, you can come to us for that too. We offer plenty of additional services, including the following:
- Mounting straplocks: €15
- Replacing the output jack: €25
- Replacing the pickup selector switch: €35
- Replacing the pickups, from: 1 for €35, 2 for €60, 3 for €80
- Replacing the potentiometers, from: 1 for €25, 2 for €45, 3 for €65, 4 for €80
- Installing a pickup in an acoustic guitar: from €50
- Replacing and slotting a pre-made top nut: €35
- Replacing and slotting a custom bone top nut: €55
- Replacing and setting up an acoustic guitar bridge: €25
- Neck shimming: €25
- Installing a Bigsby tremolo: €45
- Installing the tuning machines: €45
- Copper shielding the control cavity: €50
- Full fret dress: fret levelling, fret crowning and fret polishing: €150
- Diagnostics (passive components): €25
- For other diagnostics a rate of €15 per 15 minutes applies
- Same-day service (if available): €25
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Whether it’s a new pickguard, a humidity treatment, installing a custom waterslide decal or something else entirely – get in touch via the booking form and we’ll help you further.
Please note: if strings need to be removed and replaced for a custom job, a fee of €20 will be charged.
Payment and invoicing
All listed prices include 21% VAT and exclude the cost of materials. You pay when you collect your guitar, by payment request or in cash. You’ll receive an invoice via e-mail.
Booking an appointment
We don’t work with waiting lists and typically have availability right away. In most cases your instrument is ready within 1 to 2 working days. Can’t wait? Then consider our same-day service (€25 extra). If available, we’ll make sure your guitar is ready that very same day. Book your appointment at one of our nine locations through the booking form. Let us know what kind of guitar you’ve got and what exactly needs doing, and we’ll send you a time that fits your availability.
Music is my greatest passion. From a young age, I’ve been writing songs and playing in bands. As an artist, my life is deeply intertwined with everything music-related. Next to designing tools to help people learn music theory for Wheel of Fifths, I’ve been working as a luthier since 2020 – repairing, restoring and building all kinds of guitars and basses. Book an appointment at my workshop in Groningen via the contact form.
