Guitar repair and luthier services in Leeuwarden
Specialised in guitar and bass setups, maintenance, repairs, restorations and modifications, Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden is your trusted local expert luthier.
Our guitar setup and maintenance services
Full guitar setup
Does your guitar or bass need maintenance? We’ve got you covered in Leeuwarden. We’re specialised in professional setups for all types of instruments – from electric, acoustic and classical guitars to basses, ukuleles and other stringed instruments.
A full guitar maintenance service costs €75 and includes:
- 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
Which adjustments are needed and possible may vary per instrument. We’ll make sure your instrument sounds, plays and looks like new. Let us know what kind of music you play, who your guitar heroes are, what tunings you use and which strings you prefer. We’ll sort out the setup – from the perfect action to intonation – tailored to your playing style.
Please note: an additional fee of €15 is charged for 12-string guitars. For guitars with a Floyd Rose-style tremolo an additional fee of €20 is charged. Furthermore, strings are not included in a setup. If you do not have your own set, we charge €10 for standard gauge acoustic and electric guitar strings. For 12-string guitar strings we charge €15 and for bass strings the charge is €20. If you prefer a specific type of strings, please let us know via the booking form and we’ll order them for you at a fair price.
Custom guitar maintenance
Sometimes a standard setup doesn’t suffice. Don’t worry, our Leeuwarden-based luthier offers a bunch of extras, as listed below. We’re specialised in all kinds of work – from soldering jobs and modifications to specialised fretwork. Whatever the problem is, we’re happy to help.
We offer the following extras:
- 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 broken headstock, a finish repair or something else entirely, feel free to get in touch via the booking form.
Please note: if strings need to be removed and replaced for a custom job, a fee of €20 will be charged. All prices include 21% VAT and exclude material costs.
What our guitar technician offers you
Craftsmanship
Your instrument is precisely set up to match your playing style.
Transparency
No surprises – all costs are explicitly discussed in advance.
Convenience
Easily book your appointment online using the booking form.
Quick service
Usually your guitar is ready within 1 to 2 working days.
Meet Eugène from
Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden
Guitars have always been my greatest passion. Over the years, I have worked on a wide variety of electric, acoustic, classical, 12-string, steel-string and gypsy guitars. My particular interest lies in vintage instruments, especially those built between the 1930s and the 1980s. Many of these have their own unique character, exceptional build quality and a tone that is often difficult to find in modern instruments. Japanese guitars from the 1970s and 1980s, in particular, can be remarkably well built.
Through years of playing, comparing, researching and experimenting, I have gained extensive experience in repairing and restoring guitars. I thoroughly clean every instrument, inspect the neck and frets before setting it up to ensure it plays comfortably and effortlessly. I pay close attention to the string action and the choice of strings. My background as a furniture maker and decades of experience in woodworking from my own workshop have given me extensive knowledge of wood, construction and finishing techniques.
What started as a hobby has grown into a lifelong passion for guitars, craftsmanship and discovering exceptional instruments. My goal is always the same: to bring out the very best in every guitar while respecting its character and unique qualities. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch through the contact form and schedule an appointment at my workshop in the center of Leeuwarden.
New: a free Instrument Passport
From now on you’ll receive a free Instrument Passport with every setup – a maintenance booklet that clearly details how your guitar or bass has been set up. We will log exactly what type of maintenance we carried out and by whom it has been done, giving you full insight into your instrument’s maintenance history. If you ever decide to sell your instrument, it’s also a great way to show potential buyers that your instrument has been properly taken care of.
FAQ – All about guitar maintenance
What is Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden?
Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden is your go-to destination for expert guitar maintenance in the Leeuwarden area. We specialise in professional setups, maintenance, repairs, restorations and modifications for all types of guitars and basses. Your appointment is with luthier Eugène Kanters, trading as Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden from his workshop at Rembrandtstraat 23 in Leeuwarden (Chamber of Commerce: 59538864).
Want to know more? Read our blog about Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden.
How do I know if my guitar or bass needs a setup?
If your instrument plays too heavily, if you notice fret buzz or if certain notes sound out of tune, it’s time for a setup. Even brand new guitars and basses benefit from a professional setup. We’ll help you to get the most out of your instrument.
How is a guitar or bass set up?
At Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden every guitar is carefully set up to suit your playing style and preferences. Everything is customised according to your taste – from the truss rod in the neck to setting the pickup height and checking the electronics. Let us know what kind of music you play, who your guitar heroes are, what tunings you use and which strings you prefer. We’ll deliver the perfect setup – tailored to you and your instrument.
How much does a setup cost and how does the payment work?
A complete setup costs €75 and includes changing the strings, setting the action, pickup height and truss rod, intonating the bridge saddles, checking the electronics, cleaning and conditioning the fretboard, cleaning and polishing the frets and cleaning the body. The cost of strings (€10) is not included in the price. Please see our services for a full overview, or read our blog with all our prices.
When collecting your instrument, you can pay via an online payment link. Cash payment is also possible. If you require a VAT invoice, please let us know and we will send it to you by e-mail.
What types of guitar repairs and modifications do you offer?
Besides setups, we offer a wide range of repairs and modifications: from replacing pickups, fixing broken potentiometers and installing tuning machines to fitting a new top nut, a full fret dress/fret job or installing a Bigsby tremolo. Read our blog with all our prices for the complete overview. Need help with something else, such as a broken headstock or a finish/lacquer repair? Feel free to get in touch via the booking form, we’re happy to help.
How can I make an appointment to set up or repair my instrument?
You can easily book an appointment with Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden using the booking form. Let us know what guitar you have and what work needs to be done – we’ll take care of the rest. We work without waiting lists and typically have availability right away.
How long does a guitar setup take?
At Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden we don’t work with waiting lists, so you can book your appointment right away. In most cases, your instrument is ready within 1 to 2 working days. Need it sooner? No worries, choose our same-day service for a €25 surcharge and we’ll make sure your guitar is ready that very day!
Where in Leeuwarden are you located and what are your opening hours?
You’ll find us at Rembrandtstraat 23 in Leeuwarden, just five minutes from the central station by bike. Free parking is available on the street.
Please note: we work by appointment only. Let us know in the booking form when you’d like to drop off your guitar, and we’ll find a time that works for you.
What musicians say about our services
★★★★★
“Very happy with the friendly service and their help with my questions. Sounds like new again!”
Tim
★★★★★
“Dropped off my guitar and got it back perfectly set up, fast. Customer service was top and always helpful.”
Urki
★★★★★
“Very happy with the service. My guitar was handled professionally and repaired superbly. Thanks!”
Dean
Book your guitar setup in 1 minute
Give your instrument the care it deserves by booking an appointment online with our Leeuwarden-based luthier. We don’t work with waiting lists and typically have availability right away.
You can find us here:
Gitaar Afstellen Leeuwarden
Rembrandtstraat 23, 8921 EG Leeuwarden
Please note: we work by appointment only.
Or visit any of our other locations nearby:
Heerenveen or Groningen.
New:
Premium guitar care
in a handy tin
Great news! We’ve launched our very own line of guitar care products in collaboration with Wheel of Fifths. Our nourishing fretboard wax is fully organic and carefully developed to clean, nourish and protect your instrument. Want to stain your fretboard? Try our stain wax, designed to give your fretboard a vintage look and feel.
Our selection:
- Fretboard Care Wax 100g (€19,95) – a nourishing fretboard wax.
- Fretboard Stain Wax 100g (€24,95) – a unique relic wax for a vintage look.
Both products are available via Wheel of Fifths. For more information, check out the website or ask your question via the contact form.
See also:
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